Swimming Holes & Waterfalls Near Concord & the Merrimack Valley, NH (2026)
Concord river swims, Pawtuckaway and Bear Brook lake beaches, Clough Reservoir, and Merrimack Valley falls—one map with links to each New Hampshire guide.
Map of the picks
Concord is a river-and-lake hub: broad Merrimack access on hot weekdays, state-park beaches when you want sand and clearer rules, and a few waterfall pages for shorter scenic stops.
- Pawtuckaway State Park Swim Beach — Nottingham, NH
- Bear Brook State Park Beach — Allenstown, NH
- Clough State Park Swim Beach — Weare, NH
- Sewalls Falls Swim Area — Concord, NH
- Merrimack River Eddy — Concord, NH
- Contoocook Falls — Contoocook, NH
- Wildcat Falls — Merrimack, NH
This page helps you choose the right kind of Concord-area water day. Use the linked place guides for parking, fees, access, and current cautions before you leave.
Quick answer
| Goal | First stop |
|---|---|
| Big lake beach day | Pawtuckaway |
| Structured state-park swim | Bear Brook State Park Beach |
| Reservoir beach | Clough State Park Swim Beach |
| Concord river wade | Sewalls Falls |
| Waterfall + village errand | Contoocook Falls |
How to choose
Pawtuckaway State Park Swim Beach — best full beach day
Choose Pawtuckaway when the group wants a real lake beach, room to settle in, and a clearer state-park framework. It is farther from Concord than Sewalls Falls, but it is easier to explain to families and first-time visitors. On summer Saturdays, the lot and beach routine matter more than the drive time.
Bear Brook State Park Beach — best facilities backup
Bear Brook is the backup when you want a managed park feel without committing to Pawtuckaway traffic. It works well for mixed groups because the park has more structure around the swim day. Check day-use fees, hours, and capacity before promising a late arrival.
Clough State Park Swim Beach — best west-of-Concord reservoir option
Clough State Park sits on Everett Lake and gives you a dam-side reservoir beach instead of a river swim. It is useful when the Merrimack looks high or silty after rain. Read the guide for fee season and gate hours.
Sewalls Falls Swim Area — best Concord river check
Sewalls Falls is the most direct Concord river option, but river access is never the same as a managed beach. Scout current, entry, water clarity, and exit before wading. Skip it after heavy rain, high water, or if the footing does not look right for your group.
Merrimack River Eddy — best cautious local scout
Merrimack River Eddy is a planning pin for people already comfortable reading river water. Treat it as a scout stop, not a guaranteed swim. The parking pin, water pin, and safest entry may not be the same place.
Contoocook Falls and Wildcat Falls — waterfall add-ons
Contoocook Falls makes the most sense when you are already near the village or want a short scenic stop. Wildcat Falls is a better fit for a southern Merrimack Valley day near Nashua. Both are footing-first waterfall visits, not replacements for a lake beach.
Day-build idea
Lake morning at Pawtuckaway or Bear Brook, river check at Sewalls after lunch when you can read current in full sun, short falls stop only if legs and patience still match the group.
Before you go
- Check state-park fees, gates, and swim-season hours before leaving.
- After rain, choose Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, or Clough before a Merrimack River access point.
- River current can look slower from the bank than it feels at knee depth.
- Small waterfall stops still need shoes with grip.
- Build one backup into the route so a full lot or high river does not ruin the day.
Updated June 1, 2026. Use the linked place guides for access, fees, parking, and swim-fit details around Concord and the Merrimack Valley.