New Hampshire possesses a wealth of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams where sparkling waters and spectacular waterfalls beckon. Development has obscured many of the traditional lake views and exposed many of the out-of-the-way places where one used to be able to quietly slip into the water and cool off on a hot summer’s day, but some of those old swimming holes continue to offer respite and build memories that rival any nostalgic accounts of living in the Granite State in years gone by.
The Lakes Region abounds in opportunities for swimming beyond the crowded beaches, with swimming locations along the Pemigewasset, Cockermouth, Baker, Fowler, and Smith rivers. Beyond the Lakes Region are many swimming holes in the White Mountains.
Among the nearby choices is Livermore Falls on the Pemigewasset River in Campton. A sandy beach once known as a popular skinny-dipping spot now is more often frequented by families in swimwear. Downriver is a deep hole under an old railroad bridge where brave but foolish visitors have used a rope swing to perform acrobatics over the rock-filled water lying 50 feet below — a practice that has led to deaths and injuries which resulted in prohibitions on such activity. More sensible swimmers may dive from rock overlooks, but the best way to enjoy Livermore Falls is to enter the river at water level.
On the nearby Baker River in Plymouth, there is a popular swimming and picnicking area by the Smith Covered Bridge. The current bridge was built to replace an earlier 19th-century bridge that burned. The Baker River is a gentle stream at that location, making it another popular spot for families.
A more challenging swimming hole — actually several holes scoured from rock through a 30-foot-high gorge created by the Cockermouth River in Groton — is known as Sculptured Rocks. There is a succession of kettle pools of varying depths, with narrow passages, small caves, and rock formations that call out for exploration. Besides jumping into the cool water, Sculptured Rocks is a popular place to hold a picnic.
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