How to Find a Swimming Hole in the White Mountains

The White Mountains of New Hampshire offer something for everyone regardless of the season. There's skiing in the winter, foliage in the fall, and a veritable smorgasborg of activities in the spring and summer, including hiking, biking, camping and swimming. But some of the best swimming holes are a little off the beaten path--just the way the locals like it. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Hike to the Franconia Falls swimming hole on Franconia Brook in Lincoln, New Hampshire. The three-mile hike is pretty easy given that it follows now-defunct railroad tracks over flat terrain. Call ahead to [phone] or visit the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to get a day-use permit. They go fast, so get yours early. While you're at it, make sure you get directions.
2. Bring younger children to Lower Falls, which is very safe for children. It offers easy access, and there are no big drops. The Lower Falls swimming hole is located about six or seven miles outside of Conway, New Hampshire. You can get directions by calling the Forest Service at [phone].
3. Take a dip at the Rumney Swimming Hole. Rumney is a haven for rock climbers, who often cool off after a climb by taking a dip in the Rumney swimming hole. This spot is definitely not for the very young, the elderly or those who are weak swimmers. You need to access it by climbing down a steep embankment--which may be why it's popular with rock climbers. Take Exit 26 off Interstate 93 to Route 25 West. Travel to a roundabout, and take the first exit. Continue about 3 miles to a right onto Main Street. The swimming hole is approximately 200 yards on the right past the Rumney Village Store.
4. Go spelunking at Beede Falls, otherwise known as Cow Caves located in Sandwich, New Hampshire. This woodland oasis is like a scene straight from Lord of the Rings. At the end of a short, easy-to-navigate trail, you'll find cascading waterfalls, crystal clear pools, mossy embankments, and towering pines that make this destination purely enchanted. Take Exit 23 off Interstate 93. Follow Route 104 to Route 3 to Route 25B in Meredith. Turn left onto Route 109 in Moultonborough. At the Five Corners intersection in Sandwich, take Grove Street to a fork. Take the left fork onto Sandwich Notch Road. You'll find parking on the right up about a mile, and Beede Falls is a short hike from the parking along a clearly marked trail.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget your sunscreen and your bug spray. The mosquitoes in some of these spots can be pretty merciless.
• Make sure you check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks once you leave any wooded area.
• Pack it in, pack it out. That means don't leave any garbage behind. The White Mountains are beautiful. Let's keep them that way.
• Sandwich Notch Road is a seasonal road that tends to be very, very rough. If you have a low-riding car, you may want to skip Cow Caves.