Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes
Swimming hole in Twin Mountain, New Hampshire · Waterfall
Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes is a falls swimming hole. It is near Twin Mountain, New Hampshire. Access is free. Best season: Late spring through early autumn offers the best conditions.
Typical season: Late spring through early autumn offers the best conditions
About Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes
Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes lies in New Hampshire, where Varies, See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Visitors trade crowds for a quieter bank access. Threading along Route 302 through a dramatic glacial valley hemmed in by granite walls and old-growth forest, this corridor offers everything from a quick roadside dip to a full wilderness adventure. All without an admission fee. The air here smells of cold water and balsam fir, and the soundtrack is the persistent rush of mountain streams tumbling over ancient stone. The Setting and Its Many Faces Crawford Notch is not a single . Lower Ammonoosuc Falls greets you with a gentle, welcoming energy. Shallow pools spread across smooth ledges, warm enough by midsummer for children to splash and families to linger. A few miles away, Upper Ammonoosuc Falls is a different animal entirely: water-carved chutes and hidden cave-like alcoves that reward the bold with a more exhilarating experience. Ripley Falls and Arethusa Falls. The tallest waterfall in New Hampshire. Command a kind of reverence, their misty curtains dropping through cathedral forest canopy into cool, shaded pools below. And for those willing to commit to a serious backcountry push, The Pool on the Shoal Pond Trail offers the rare reward of true solitude at the end of a roughly 16-mile journey through untouched White Mountain wilderness. Even in August, you'll feel the chill the moment you wade in. A bracing, crystalline cold that sharpens the senses and makes every minute in the water feel earned. Visibility is excellent in most pools; you can watch the current swirl over mossy boulders beneath your feet. Swim at your own risk at Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Falls
- Water body
- Varies, see below
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Twin Mountain
- State
- New Hampshire
- Coordinates
- 44.27000, -71.48200
- Best season
- Late spring through early autumn offers the best conditions. Visit in late summer for calmer waters at Upper Ammonoosuc Falls or autumn for breathtaking foliage views around Ripley Falls and Arethusa Falls.
- Access difficulty
- Varies from easy (Lower Ammonoosuc Falls) to challenging (16-mile hike to 'The Pool'). Check trail conditions and plan accordingly.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- None at site. Camp nearby off RT 302 at Zealand Recreation Area in National Forest.
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No on-site facilities. Bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and first aid. Nearby camping is available at Zealand Recreation Area.
- Listing last updated
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate spring through early autumn offers the best conditions. Visit in late summer for calmer waters at Upper Ammonoosuc Falls or autumn for breathtaking foliage views around Ripley Falls and Arethusa Falls.
- AccessVaries from easy (Lower Ammonoosuc Falls) to challenging (16-mile hike to 'The Pool'). Check trail conditions and plan accordingly.
- FacilitiesNo on-site facilities. Bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and first aid. Nearby camping is available at Zealand Recreation Area.
- Camping nearbyNone at site. Camp nearby off RT 302 at Zealand Recreation Area in National Forest.
Highlights & features
- Family-friendly swimming at Lower Ammonoosuc Falls
- Thrilling chutes and caves at Upper Ammonoosuc Falls
- Stunning views from Ripley Falls
- Remote adventure at 'The Pool' on Shoal Pond Trail
- Tallest waterfalls in NH at Arethusa Falls
- Diverse swimming experiences, from tranquil pools to adventurous chutes
- Spectacular views of towering waterfalls and lush forests
- Opportunities for wildlife observation and nature photography
How to get there
Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes lies in New Hampshire near Twin Mountain, Bretton Woods, and Willey House. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go.
Lower Ammonoosuc Falls Description
Lower Ammonoosuc Falls is a small waterfall on the Ammonoosuc River that flows into a large, calm pool. This spot is a strong choice for families and offers opportunities for sliding on the falls, sunbathing on rocks, and jumping into the water. Directions:
From Franconia Notch, take Route 3 east toward Twin Mountain.
At Twin Mountain, turn onto Route 302 east. Continue on Route 302 for about 3.5 miles until you see a street sign for Old Cherry Mountain Road on the left, along with a sign for "Lower Ammonoosuc Falls." Turn left onto Old Cherry Mountain Road, then immediately turn left again into the parking area.
Park and walk about 5 minutes down the gravel road to reach the falls and pool below. Coordinates
Latitude: 44.26982, Longitude: -71.48334 Safety Tip
This location offers gentler .
Upper Ammonoosuc Falls Description
Upper Ammonoosuc Falls lies along Deception Brook, a tributary of the Ammonoosuc River. This area features chutes, pools, and underwater passages. Directions:
From Twin Mountain, continue east on Route 302 for about 4.9 miles.
Look for the sign for the Mount Washington Cog Railway on the left and turn north onto Base Station Road. Drive about 2.2 miles to a parking area on the right, marked by a mound of dirt at the far end.
Park and follow the path upstream toward the sound of the falls. Coordinates
Latitude: 44.26580, Longitude: -71.41671 Safety Tip
Do not swim here during high currents or after heavy rain. Observe the water conditions carefully before entering. Ripley Falls Description: Ripley Falls is a 100-foot waterfall with clear swimming pools. The area offers spectacular views and is a great spot to relax after a summer hike. Avoid climbing the face of the falls as the rocks are slippery; use the trail to access the top. Directions: Continue east on Route 302 and park at the Appalachian Trail crossing, located in the parking lot on the west (right) side of the road. Follow the Appalachian Trail (also known as Ethan Pond Trail) west and look for trail signs directing you to Ripley Falls. Coordinates:
Latitude: 44.16124, Longitude: -71.39480 Safety Tip
Ensure water conditions are safe before swimming, particularly during times of low water. The Pool Description: The Pool is a remote . Accessing this location requires a 16-mile round-trip hike, making it suitable for experienced hikers. Directions: Park at the Appalachian Trail crossing on Route 302, as described in the Ripley Falls directions. Follow the Appalachian Trail west (also known as Ethan Pond Trail) for about 5 miles until you reach the junction with Shoal Pond Trail. Turn left onto Shoal Pond Trail and continue for about 3 miles to reach The Pool. If you reach Swiftwater Junction, you have gone about 1 mile too far. Coordinates:
Latitude: 44.1338, Longitude: -71.4706 Safety Tip
This location is remote and unverified. Plan accordingly and bring adequate supplies for a long hike. Arethusa Falls Description: Arethusa Falls is the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire and a busy spot for hikers. The water is cold year-round, making it a refreshing spot after a summer hike. Directions: Continue east on Route 302 past the Dry River Campground and the Willey House. Look for the Arethusa Falls parking area on the right. Pull off the road and drive up the hill to park near the railroad tracks. If the parking lot is full, use the overflow parking area located at the base of the hill.
Cross the railroad tracks and follow the Arethusa Falls Trail. Coordinates
Latitude: 44.148, Longitude: -71.386 Safety Tip
Be aware that the trail passes close to private property near a wooden house. Respect the property boundaries while hiking. **Bemis Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
Plan your visit
Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes works well as a day trip from Twin Mountain or Bretton Woods. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Pinkham Notch Swimming Spots In New Hampshire (about 11 mi away) or browse more New Hampshire waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in New Hampshire, see our state directory.
Access & fees
All sites are unofficial and unmaintained for swimming. Parking is roadside or in designated trailhead lots. No restrooms or changing facilities are available. Respect all trail signs and private property boundaries. Access to 'The Pool' requires a 16-mile round-trip hike.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes?
Yes. Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes near Twin Mountain, Bretton Woods, and Willey House in NH has waterfall / cascade pools on Varies, see below used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
Is Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes?
Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes is in NH within day-trip range of Twin Mountain, Bretton Woods, and Willey House. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
The Crawford Notch area is steeped in history, from its significance in early hiking culture to its role in New Hampshire's conservation legacy. The nearby Willey House commemorates a tragic landslide that shaped local history.
Conservation
Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife. Help preserve the natural beauty of these swimming holes.
Sources & updates
Reference sources
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