Weare

Weare lies in New Hampshire, where Piscataquog River moves through a wooded corridor. Visitors trade crowds for a quieter bank access.

This is not a groomed beach with a parking attendant and a snack bar. This is a river the way rivers used to be. Unhurried, unsupervised, and entirely your own. You'll navigate roughly a mile of unpaved dirt road, the kind that slows you down just enough to shift your mood before you ever reach the water. Dense vegetation lines the banks, creating a canopy of green in summer and an explosion of amber, crimson, and gold come September and October. Natural rapids tumble between smooth, sun-warmed rock formations that invite you to stretch out and dry off between swims. The river corridor feels genuinely wild, with birdsong filling the air and the kind of quiet that makes you realize how loud your everyday life actually is.

Wildlife sightings. Herons, turtles, the occasional white-tailed deer. Are a real possibility, especially if you arrive early in the morning. Water depth varies considerably from spot to spot, so you can wade in shallow riffles or seek out deeper pools where the current slows and the water collects. The river runs cool and clear, the kind of refreshing that feels restorative rather than just cold. Smooth rock ledges create natural platforms for jumping or simply sitting with your feet dangling in the current. Because this is an unofficial, unsanctioned site, there are no lifeguards or safety staff on duty. Families with strong swimmers and solo adventurers alike make the trip, often finding they have a favorite stretch entirely to themselves.

Treat Weare as a wild swim: no lifeguard, variable depth, and rules that can change by season.

Weare works well as a day trip from Concord or Dunbarton. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Gorham White Mountains Swimming Spots or browse more New Hampshire river spots in our directory. For the full list in New Hampshire, see our state directory.

Access is via the Hopkinton-Everett Recreation Area to a back road near Clough State Park. These are unofficial swimming holes with no designated facilities or supervision. Parking is at informal roadside pull-offs. Respect all posted signage and private property boundaries.

The Piscataquog River has long been a gathering place for locals, reflecting New Hampshire’s deep connection to its natural landscapes.

Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment. Avoid littering and stick to established trails to minimize impact.