Best Swimming Holes From North Conway
North Conway stacks river pools, a state-park lake beach, and waterfall dips into one driving loop. These ranks are the stops most worth planning around—not every pin is a long swim.
Early June can still mean cold Saco water and slick rock at the falls. Use the map for order, then open each guide for parking, seasonal flow, and posted rules.
Rank 1: Diana's Baths — Conway
A ~1.2 mi RT granite cascade-and-pool system on Lucy Brook in Conway, from the WMNF lot on West Side Road.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 10 min
Rank 2: Echo Lake State Park — North Conway
Echo Lake State Park's swim beach below Cathedral Ledge in North Conway.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
Rank 3: Saco River at First Bridge — Conway
The classic Saco River swim and tubing stop at the first bridge on West Side Road in Conway.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
Rank 4: Rocky Gorge Pools — Albany
A classic Kancamagus stop where the Swift River cuts a narrow polished gorge — viewing only at the gorge itself.
- Walk
- 10 min
Rank 5: Lower Falls — Albany
The iconic Swift River ledge-and-pool swim stop on the Kancamagus Highway in Albany.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 10-15 min one way
Rank 6: Emerald Pool — Chatham
A famous green plunge pool on Charles Brook at the foot of the Baldface Circle Trail in Chatham.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 10 min