Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Along the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is a classic White Mountains day trip because the good stops come fast. These are the waterfall and swim breaks that make the most sense when you want a short drive and a simple plan.
Use the map first, then open each guide for parking, walk time, swim context, and the best way to fit each stop into a White Mountains day.
Rank 1: 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 2: 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 3: Otter Rocks — Lincoln
A Swift River ledge stop on the Kancamagus Highway in Lincoln — polished granite and cold pockets off a WMNF pull-off.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 10-15 min one way
Rank 4: Sabbaday Falls — Albany
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A classic Kanc waterfall stop — short walk from the WMNF picnic area to a multi-tier gorge cascade in Albany.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 15 min
Rank 5: Champney Falls — Albany
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A ~3.4-mile round-trip Kancamagus waterfall on Champney Brook under Mount Chocorua, from the Champney Falls Trail on NH 112.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 2 hr
Rank 6: Jigger Johnson — Albany
A Swift River swim stop near the Jigger Johnson Campground on the Kancamagus Highway.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way