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The Basin
Lincoln, New Hampshire
A glacially carved granite pothole on the Pemigewasset River in Franconia Notch. Not a swim spot.
At a glance
Overview
The Basin is a famous granite pothole on the Pemigewasset River in Franconia Notch, a glacially carved bowl with cold, forceful water swirling through a narrow channel. It sits on a short paved path from the free Basin parking lots on I-93 (one for each direction). This is a viewing feature, not a swim feature: swimming directly in The Basin itself is prohibited, and the water is very cold and strong. The Basin-Cascades Trail continues upstream for waterfall views and, higher up, better wading pools.
- Also known as
- Franconia Notch Basin
- County
- Grafton County
- Region
- Franconia Notch
- Water type
- Gorge
- Swim feature type
- Gorge pool
Know before you go
Public
Conditions
Conditions snapshot
Check posted signs and official updates before entering.
Getting there
From I-93 in Franconia Notch, take the signed Basin exit (both northbound and southbound have their own lot). A short paved path leads to the overlook.
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