Crawford Notch Scenic Parking Area
Scenic spot
4.9 (28)
Unnamed Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Waterfall And Regional Historical-Route InventoryNH
Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Understand Crawford Notch's eight archived water stops, safer waterfall planning and Dry River's state-park camping fees and seasonal services.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Do not jump, dive, slide, enter underwater passages or climb above waterfall drops. Check individual land ownership and posted restrictions; an old swimming report is not present permission.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Waterfall And Regional Historical-Route Inventory
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Dry River campground currently lists $35 per night, separate from trail parking. No single entrance fee or free-swimming promise established for all archived stops.
Best season
Check current trail notices and campground dates. The dated 2026 fall camping schedule is not a universal waterfall or swimming season
Nearby towns
Twin Mountain, Bretton Woods, Willey House,
Water body
Ammonoosuc River, Deception Brook, Bemis Brook And Historical Mountain Pools
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Twin Mountain, Bretton Woods, Willey House,
Access location not verified
WILLEY HOUSE, NH
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Crawford Notch Waterfalls
This is a regional archive, not one park beach. It names Lower and Upper Ammonoosuc Falls, Ripley Falls, The Pool, Arethusa Falls, and the Bemis Brook stops Fawn Pond, Bemis Falls and Coliseum Falls. Old swimming descriptions do not establish current permission, depth or access at all eight.
Keep the waterfall hikes separate from bathing permission
Use current park trail maps for Arethusa, Ripley and the Bemis Brook connections. Several trails leave state-park land for national-forest land. Do not repeat the old private-house or railroad-crossing shortcut, climb a waterfall face or seek pools above a drop. The old Upper Ammonoosuc account conflicts about ownership and describes lethal currents; its caves, underwater passages and diving suggestions are not visitor advice.
Do not turn The Pool into a marked day-use entrance
The archived Shoal Pond route was approximate and explicitly unverified. Confirm the intended trail, length, land manager and overnight rules before a backcountry trip. A supposed campsite in a decades-old report is not a reservation or permission to camp beside the water.
Book Dry River through the correct park
Dry River is the campground at Crawford Notch State Park, not a Forest Service campground attached to every waterfall. The park currently lists $35 per night without hookups, fall primitive operation from October 12 and closure October 24. Water, flush toilets and office services may be limited in primitive operation. Willey House is a separate visitor-service location, not proof of pool facilities.
Check the named destination before travel
Getting There
Use current Crawford Notch State Park trail maps and the signed trailhead for the selected waterfall. Historical Ammonoosuc and Shoal Pond approaches require separate land-access checks; do not follow private-house or railroad shortcuts.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use current Crawford Notch State Park trail maps and the signed trailhead for the selected waterfall. Historical Ammonoosuc and Shoal Pond approaches require separate land-access checks; do not follow private-house or railroad shortcuts.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Do not jump, dive, slide, enter underwater passages or climb above waterfall drops. Check individual land ownership and posted restrictions; an old swimming report is not present permission. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Mount Willard Trail Head
Hiking area
4.8 (212)
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Crawford Connector Trailhead
Tourist attraction
4.9 (108)
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Crawford Notch State Park
State park
4.8 (1960)
1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812
5,775 acres of mountainside hiking trails with waterfalls, camping & the historic Willey House.
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Twin Mountain / Mt. Washington KOA Holiday
Campground
4.6 (545)
372 Route, 115, Twin Mountain, NH 03595
Free Wi-Fi
Twin Mountain Campground
Campground
4 (198)
100 US-302 East, Twin Mountain, NH 03595
Along the River Campground & Cabins
Campground
4.3 (218)
373 US-302, Twin Mountain, NH 03595
Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa
Resort hotel
4.5 (5392)
310 Mount Washington Hotel Rd, Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Choice resort featuring a luxe spa & dining, plus world-class skiing, 2 golf courses & 9 zip lines.
Free Wi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions About Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes
What are the eight archived Crawford Notch stops?
Lower and Upper Ammonoosuc Falls, Ripley Falls, The Pool, Arethusa Falls, Fawn Pond, Bemis Falls and Coliseum Falls. The last three form the archived Bemis Brook group.
Are all of these within the same park jurisdiction?
No. The state notes that several Crawford Notch trails continue into national-forest land. Verify the selected trail and water location rather than assigning one park's rules to all eight.
Can we use the old diving or cave instructions at Upper Ammonoosuc?
No. The archive conflicts about ownership and describes dangerous currents. It does not establish safe depth, legal access or permission to enter underwater passages.
Is Ripley Falls an approved swimming pool above the drop?
No current permission or safe approach to an above-falls pool is established. Follow signed hiking routes and stay away from waterfall edges.
Who operates Dry River and what is its current rate?
NH State Parks operates Dry River within Crawford Notch State Park. The current page lists $35 per night with no hookups, not a free Forest Service campsite.
Can we count on full campground services in October?
No. The current schedule lists fall primitive operation from October 12 and closure October 24, with water, toilets and office services potentially limited. Confirm the dates for your stay.
Highlights
Family-friendly swimming at Lower Ammonoosuc Falls
Thrilling chutes and caves at Upper Ammonoosuc Falls
Striking views from Ripley Falls
Remote adventure at 'The Pool' on Shoal Pond Trail
Tallest waterfalls in NH at Arethusa Falls
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from currently lawful viewpoints; no exact water-entry photograph is approved here.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current trail notices and campground dates. The dated 2026 fall camping schedule is not a universal waterfall or swimming season.
Difficulty Level
Use the intended current lawful approach; no surveyed accessible bathing entrance established.
Fee
Dry River campground currently lists $35 per night, separate from trail parking. No single entrance fee or free-swimming promise established for all archived stops.
Facilities
Crawford Notch park visitor services and Dry River camping are destination-specific. No surveyed bathhouse, lifeguard service or potable water at the archived pools established.
Activities
Waterfall hiking, scenic viewing and park-supported fishing. Current bathing permission at the eight archived locations has not been established.
Phone
603-374-0848
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Dry River campground is operated by NH State Parks: $35 per night, no hookups; current page lists primitive operation October 12 and closing October 24. Backcountry stays require separate manager rules.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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