Waterfalls & Swimming Holes Near Keene & the Monadnock Region, NH (2026)
Keene and Monadnock Region waterfall and freshwater stops—Beaver Brook, Bailey Brook, Wilton reservoir, and Batchelder Falls—with map pins and guide links.
Editorial photography for New England Swimming Holes.
Map of the picks
The Monadnock Region mixes quick Keene-area brook falls with Wilton still-water swims and a strong Lake Sunapee beach option when you want warmer water.
- Beaver Brook Falls (Keene) — Keene, NH
- Bailey Brook Falls — Marlow, NH
- Batchelder Falls — Wilton, NH
- Old Wilton Reservoir — Wilton, NH
- Mount Sunapee State Park Beach — Newbury, NH
Waterfall pages may show swim not recommended even when people wade—follow each guide's should-you-go block, not social clips.
Quick answer
| Day shape | Build around |
|---|---|
| Keene waterfall loop | Beaver Brook Falls + Bailey Brook |
| Wilton brook + pond | Batchelder Falls + Old Wilton Reservoir |
| Warmer lake day | Mount Sunapee State Park Beach |
1. Beaver Brook Falls (Keene)
The clearest Keene waterfall anchor in our set. Open the Beaver Brook Falls (Keene) guide.
2. Bailey Brook Falls — Marlow
Short Marlow approach with classic southern NH slick-granite footing. Open the Bailey Brook Falls guide.
3. Batchelder Falls — Wilton
Pairs naturally with Old Wilton Reservoir for a Wilton day. Open the Batchelder Falls guide.
4. Old Wilton Reservoir — Wilton
Our still-water pick when you want a swim-first stop west of Nashua traffic. Open the Old Wilton Reservoir guide.
5. Mount Sunapee State Park Beach — Newbury
Add this when brook water is too cold for your group but you still want a Monadnock-country day. Open the Mount Sunapee State Park Beach guide.
Related guides
- Waterfalls near Dartmouth & western NH
- Swimming holes near you (NH map)
- Best freshwater swimming from Lake Winnipesaukee
FAQ
What is the easiest waterfall stop near Keene, New Hampshire?
Beaver Brook Falls (Keene) is the most direct Keene-area waterfall page on this site, with a mapped falls point and parking guidance. Still read the full guide—wet rock and flow change fast after rain.
Where can you swim in the Monadnock Region?
Old Wilton Reservoir is a still-water swim listing in Wilton. Lake beaches such as Mount Sunapee State Park Beach add a warmer lake day when brook water feels too cold.
Is Bailey Brook Falls a swimming waterfall?
The site lists it as a waterfall guide with cold water and uneven footing. Treat it as a view-and-wade stop unless your group is experienced and the guide's swim context explicitly fits your day.
Updated April 24, 2026
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