{"id":238,"date":"2026-07-02T19:58:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T19:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.buttonwoodinn.com\/blog\/?p=238"},"modified":"2026-07-13T20:01:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T20:01:21","slug":"hidden-swimming-holes-and-scenic-lakes-near-north-conway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.buttonwoodinn.com\/blog\/hidden-swimming-holes-and-scenic-lakes-near-north-conway\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Summertime Swimming Holes & Scenic Lakes Near North Conway"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There\u2019s nothing quite like slipping into a cool mountain river or diving off a rock into a clear swimming hole\u2014and North Conway and the surrounding Mount Washington Valley are home to some of New England\u2019s most refreshing spots! Whether you\u2019re interested in visiting a well-known lake with cascading waterfalls, or hoping to discover a low-key, hidden swimming hole this summer, there are plenty of local spots<\/a> nearby that you\u2019re certain to love. Here are six of our favorites.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Echo Lake State Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just a few minutes from North Conway Village, Echo Lake offers calm, clear water near the spectacular granite cliffs of Cathedral Ledge. It\u2019s also a family-friendly spot with a pleasant sandy beach area, making it a great choice if you’re traveling with little ones or just want a relaxing afternoon swim with epic mountain views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diana\u2019s Baths & Lower Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For a swimming experience with some scenery, head to Diana’s Baths, which includes a series of cascading pools and small waterfalls along Lucy Brook. There is also a 1.2-mile hiking loop to access it, though nearby parking is readily available. This family-friendly spot has all kinds of cool nooks and crannies to be found, including a pothole near the top that is over your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lower Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lower Falls, off the Kancamagus Highway, offers a similar experience to Diana\u2019s Baths, but on a larger scale, with wide, smooth ledges perfect for sunbathing. Simply put, it\u2019s one of the best swimming areas in the entire region! However, both it and Diana\u2019s Baths tend to draw crowds on hot weekends, so an early start is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Saco River<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Saco River offers some of the most laid-back swimming around. Many locals prefer floating a quiet stretch or wading into one of the river’s calmer bends, rather than tackling the more popular tubing sections\u2014but both are fun, memorable options along this lesser-known spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jackson Falls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tucked away near the village of Jackson, Jackson Falls is a local favorite that many visitors overlook. A series of natural stone pools are found down the mountainside, each offering its own little swimming spot. Plus, because it’s less crowded than some of the bigger attractions, it’s a wonderful choice for travelers hoping to find a quieter spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located right along the Kancamagus Highway via the Swift River, Rocky Gorge is known for its deep, emerald-green pool carved into impressive granite ledges. A short boardwalk leads you right to the water’s edge, making it an easy stop if you’re already exploring the area for the day. Swimming is allowed everywhere upstream of the gorge, except for the area below the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of these swimming spots have small lots that fill up fast on warm summer weekends, so be sure to get there early! That said, with so many lakes, rivers, and hidden swimming holes just a short drive away, the Buttonwood Inn is the perfect place to rest, dry off, and prepare for the next adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Buttonwood Inn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here at the Buttonwood Inn on Mt. Surprise, we\u2019ve been proudly serving guests of North Conway and the nearby White Mountains for over 75 years! If you\u2019re planning a summer getaway and looking to enjoy the full North Conway experience, we\u2019d love to serve as your home base. If you have any questions or you\u2019re curious to learn more about us before booking your stay, feel free to reach out online<\/a> or call today for more information. Telephone: (603) 810-0642.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There\u2019s nothing quite like slipping into a cool mountain river or diving off a rock into a clear swimming hole\u2014and North Conway and the surrounding Mount Washington Valley are home to some of New England\u2019s most refreshing spots! Whether you\u2019re interested in visiting a well-known lake with cascading waterfalls, or hoping to discover a low-key, hidden swimming hole this summer, there are plenty of local spots nearby that you\u2019re certain to love. Here are six […] (Read More)<\/a>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nSwimming Near North Conway | The Buttonwood Inn<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"North Conway has some of the best places to cool off during the summer, including many lakes, rivers, and hidden swimming spots.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.buttonwoodinn.com\/blog\/hidden-swimming-holes-and-scenic-lakes-near-north-conway\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Swimming 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