11 Jul Local’s List: Best Swimming Holes in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley

Posted at 13:28h in Uncategorized by

July 11th, 2024

New Hampshire’s upper Valley is home to countless off-the-beaten-path swimming holes that’ll cool you off nicely after a day on the trails or where you can spend the whole day in a state of bliss. All of these locations are but a short drive away from The Innstead Mountain Getaway. 

Lake Tarleton State Park 

Cost: Free! 

https://www.visitwhitemountains.com/listing/lake-tarleton-state-park/652/ 

Lake Tarleton is a truly magical setting: miles of pristine lake water stashed in the western edge of the White Mountain National Forest. You’d be hard-pressed to find a crowd here, and you may just have the lake to yourself. Go! 

Baker River via Rt 118 bridge 

Cost: Free! 

https://seeswim.com/location/baker-river-bridge/ 

This Baker River swimming hole, one of several in the area, has something for everyone: from a beach area safe for your budding swimmers to 10 to 15 ft ledge jumps into the rushing mountain falls below. This spot is a must! 

 

Swiftwater Covered Bridge, Bath, NH 

Cost: Free! 

https://www.newenglandwaterfalls.com/nh-swiftwaterfalls-bath.html 

Settle into a spot alongside the emerald pool down below, or plant yourself up top where you can cool yourself off in the rushing mountain stream. Either way, Swiftwater is a natural playground that will transform you on a hot day.  

Connecticut River via Bedell Bridge 

Cost: Free! 

https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/bedell-bridge-state-historic-site 

This area serves mainly as a lightly-used boat launch but is also a favorite dipping spot for us locals. And for those who dare the swim, the climb, and the leap, there’s a stone pillar climb in the center of the river that presents a hearty challenge with big reward. 

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For more information on amazing, off-the-beaten-path swimming holes in the northeast, please check out our friend Sarah Lamagna’s Swimming Holes New England. https://sarahlamagna.com/product/swimming-holes/