Packers Falls
Swimming hole in Durham, New Hampshire · Waterfall
Packers Falls is a falls swimming hole. It is near Durham, New Hampshire. Access is free. Best season: Summer offers warm water and lush greenery, while fall provides stunning foliage.
Typical season: Summer offers warm water and lush greenery, while fall provides stunning foliage
About Packers Falls
Packers Falls sits in New Hampshire along Lamprey River. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
It's just you, the river, and the sound of water moving over ancient rock. The Lamprey River here moves through a landscape that shifts beautifully with the seasons.
In summer, the banks are thick with green canopy, dappling the water with shifting light and keeping the air noticeably cooler than in the open sun. Natural rock formations line the riverbed and shoreline, worn smooth by centuries of current, creating both the falls that give the site its name and a series of natural platforms where visitors love to pause, sun themselves, or simply watch the water below. Come autumn, the hillsides surrounding the river ignite in amber, crimson, and gold. A backdrop that transforms even a brief visit into something memorable. Spring brings wildflowers pushing through the understory, and the river runs fuller and faster with snowmelt. Even winter draws the occasional photographer, lured by the serene, frost-edged stillness of the falls in the cold quiet.
No lifeguards patrol Packers Falls. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Falls
- Water body
- Lamprey River
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Durham
- State
- New Hampshire
- Coordinates
- 43.10496, -70.95139
- Best season
- Summer offers warm water and lush greenery, while fall provides stunning foliage. Spring is a strong choice for wildflowers, and winter attracts photographers for its serene beauty.
- Access difficulty
- Easy access; minimal hiking required. Suitable for families and casual visitors.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- None at site.
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No facilities available. You should plan accordingly and bring essentials like water and snacks.
- Last verified
- July 11, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer offers warm water and lush greenery, while fall provides stunning foliage. Spring is a strong choice for wildflowers, and winter attracts photographers for its serene beauty.
- Access Easy access; minimal hiking required. Suitable for families and casual visitors.
- Facilities No facilities available. You should plan accordingly and bring essentials like water and snacks.
- Camping nearby None at site.
Highlights & features
- Calm waters of the Lamprey River
- Seasonal wildlife sightings
- Natural rock formations
- Accessible location near Durham
- No fees or facilities for a rustic experience
- Untouched natural beauty with no facilities
- Historic connection to Lamprey River’s local significance
- Varied swimming depths for all skill levels
How to get there
Packers Falls lies in New Hampshire near Durham, Portsmouth. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. 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.
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Starting Point
Durham, NH (Town Center) From the center of Durham, head south on Route 108 (Newmarket Road). Continue for about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Bennet Road. Follow Bennet Road, staying to the right at all "Y" intersections. Continue on Bennet Road until it reaches the end, where it intersects with Packers Falls Road. Just before reaching Packers Falls Road, look for a small parking lot on the left-hand side. This is the first parking area. If the first parking lot is full, turn left onto Packers Falls Road and immediately cross over the bridge. There will be a second small parking area on the left-hand side after the bridge.
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Helpful notes
Both parking areas are small, so plan accordingly and arrive early during busy times to secure a spot. From the parking areas, you can access the trail leading to the . The trail is unmarked but easy to follow. Be prepared for a short walk through wooded terrain to reach the water. Packers Falls is a popular local spot, so please respect the area, pack out any trash, and follow any posted rules or guidelines. Have a safe visit to Packers Falls!
Plan your visit
Packers Falls works well as a day trip from Durham or Portsmouth. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Sculptured Rocks or browse more New Hampshire waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in New Hampshire, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, unmaintained natural area. Parking is extremely limited in two small lots. Arrive early, especially on weekends and in summer. There are no restrooms, changing facilities, or trash services; pack out everything you bring in. Respect private property and posted signage in the area.
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What to pack for Packers Falls
Gear we compare side by side for waterfall swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Packers Falls?
Yes. Packers Falls near Durham and Portsmouth in NH has waterfall / cascade pools on Lamprey River used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
Is Packers Falls 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 Packers Falls?
Packers Falls is in NH within day-trip range of Durham and Portsmouth. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Map & location
Culture & history
The Lamprey River played a historical role in local industry, powering mills and sustaining early settlers. Durham's proximity adds cultural and educational significance.
Conservation
Packers Falls is part of the Lamprey River watershed. Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve its ecological integrity.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.