As the summer heat continues to bear down on us, the best way to keep cool is by heading to New Hampshire's lakes, rivers, and shoreline. For a little state, we certainly pack a punch when it comes to opportunities to splash around in the summer sun. We've given you lots of ways to get wet, including swimming holes and rivers for tubing. But, this epic combination might be our new favorite!
Sure Diana's Baths located in Bartlett near North Conway might be one of the most well-known outdoor features in New Hampshire, but that's for good reason!
The area is the best place to cool off in the New Hampshire sunshine!
The area is made up of a series of waterfalls fed by the Lucy Brook. It's named after the Lucy Family who last owned the sawmill located along the stream. It was abandoned in the 1940s and then turned into an historic site protected by the U.S. Forest Service.
The hike to get to the waterfall-fed pool is just over a half-mile and it includes educational boards with information on the area.
The hike is fairly easy, but if you do it on a hot day you'll be good and ready for a dip into the water.
And as soon as you see it, you'll be excited! The water is nearly completely clear making this area feel like a secret oasis.
The falls are about 75-feet and intensify after a large rain. You'll want to be careful walking in the area in those conditions, but it makes the swimming a lot more fun!
There's plenty of room for visitors and while it's tucked away in the woods, the area is pretty popular. So, be prepared to run into other people looking for a way to cool off.
Because the area is so popular, you'll want to arrive early because the parking lot fills up fast. Expect to pay about $5.
And, while this area is ideal for swimming in the summer, it's busy well into the fall as well.
To get to Diana’s Baths from Conway Village, head north on White Mountain Highway past the Eastern Slope Inn. When you reach the next light, make a left onto River Road and drive for about a mile. The road will become West Side Road. Here you'll continue straight for about a mile and a half, passing the sigh for Cathedral Ledge. You'll see the parking lot sign for Diana’s Baths on the left.
Diana's Baths is located in the heart of outdoors, so you can visit any time you'd like. However, always be careful when spending time around rocks, cliffs, water and wind. Conditions can change from visit-to-visit so you may not always know what to expect. For directions to get there from your location, click here. Address: 3725 West Side Road, Bartlett, NH 03812.
Want more waterfall swimming holes to enjoy before summer ends? Check out this list featuring 4 other favorites!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
