Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Dartmouth & Western New Hampshire
Hanover, Lebanon, and the river valleys west of the notches: cold-water falls, town-tended swim spots, and one big glacial pothole gorge.
This is the quieter wedge between the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, so it works well for Hanover, Dartmouth, and Upper Valley trips where you still want a few true waterfall or swimming stops. Use the map first, then open each guide for parking, access, and posted swim rules.
Rank 1: Sculptured Rocks Natural Area — Groton
A short carved-granite Cockermouth River gorge in Groton, a NH State Parks natural area.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 10-15 min one way
Rank 2: Mascoma Falls — Lebanon
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A Mascoma River drop in Lebanon's village / mill corridor in the Upper Valley.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
Rank 3: Mink Brook Falls — Hanover
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A small Mink Brook waterfall in Hanover, in the Upper Valley.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 10 min
Rank 4: Connecticut River Swim Spot — Hanover
An informal Connecticut River access page for the Hanover shoreline. Big slow river, mixed footing, no lifeguards.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 10-15 min one way
Rank 5: Meeting House Hill Sandbar — Hanover
An informal Connecticut River sandbar swim in Hanover, local-favorite summer stop.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 10-15 min one way
Rank 6: Storrs Pond Adult Beach — Hanover
The quieter adult beach inside the Storrs Pond Recreation Area in Hanover.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
Rank 7: Sumner Falls — Plainfield
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A rocky Connecticut River rapid in Plainfield in the Upper Valley.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
Rank 8: Sugar River Falls — Claremont
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A rocky Sugar River falls in Claremont in Sullivan County, reached from a short roadside pull-off.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
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