Waterfalls and Swimming Holes From Lincoln & Woodstock
Lincoln and Woodstock are strong starting points when you want a mix of waterfalls and easy swim stops without building a long White Mountains itinerary. This page keeps the clearest options in one place.
Some stops are simple to reach, while others need a short walk or a careful look at the water before you go in. Use the map first, then open each guide for access, footing, and seasonal notes.
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: 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 3: Echo Lake Beach — Franconia Notch
Franconia Notch State Park's swim beach on Echo Lake at the foot of Cannon Mountain.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
Rank 4: The Basin — Lincoln
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A glacially carved granite pothole on the Pemigewasset River in Franconia Notch. Not a swim spot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 10 min
Rank 5: Paradise Falls — Woodstock
Viewing only, not a swim stop
A 20-ft waterfall inside the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves attraction in Kinsman Notch — paid admission, seasonal,…
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 20 min
Rank 6: Franconia Falls — Lincoln
A ~6.5 mi RT Pemi Wilderness hike to a natural granite-slide-and-pool system from Lincoln Woods on the Kancamagus.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 2 hr