New England Spot Named Among The Best Swimming Holes In The U.S.
Fall in the northeast is one of the best times to spend time outdoors In fact, in some areas, you can even swim well into October. Travel and Leisure recently published the best swimming holes in America, and a New England location was named.
“America’s natural swimming holes range from magnificent waterfalls that form your very own natural waterslide to creeks that provide crystal-clear waters and even geothermal pools that you can dip into when you’re looking for some warmth,” they state.
A swimming hole is an area within a river, stream, creek, spring, or similar natural body of water, that is large enough (and mostly deep enough) for people to swim. They are often in picturesque locations. Due to their natural formations, many swimming holes offer fresh water (that can be cold) for you to enjoy.
In addition, you can often hike a path to find these swimming holes. There are few things more refreshing than building up a sweat and then coming across a glistening spot to swim. The New England area recognized as one of the best swimming holes, is a great example of all these qualities.
Diana’s Baths – Bartlett, New Hampshire
Just a short distance from North Conway, Diana’s Baths has it all. There are few short hikes to the great swimming hole spots. Along the way, you will also come across a series of waterfalls. Some of them are accessible to splash around in.
“When the water levels reach peak flows, which vary throughout the year, the setting puts on a fantastic natural show to enjoy,” Travel and Leisure says of Diana’s Baths.
This area is roughly 140 miles north of Boston. It feels like a quick ride up Interstate 93, where in the summer and fall, you can also grab some of the best apple cider donuts along the way.
Six Of New England's Best RV Sites
Massachusetts - Pine Lake RV Resort
These grounds were completely renovated and reopened in November 2020. It is located in Sturbridge, which is in the south-central region of the state. There is an eight-acre lake onsite, a large pool, and an indoor recreation center for movies and games. Pine Lake also has cottages that you can rent.
Connecticut - Acres High RV Park
Labeled a “luxurious camping resort,” Acres High is open year round. It is located in East Lyme, CT off Chesterfield Rd. There’s a large fishing pond that has a beach area on the south side and a brook with paddle boats available. There are great hikes right at the base of the grounds. Moreover, if you’d like to explore attractions in close proximity to the park, Foxwoods Casino and the Children’s Museum are a close drive.
Rhode Island - Ashaway RV Resort
Settled peacefully near Westerly, RI, Ashaway inspires relaxation. It’s more of a flat ground, but does allow bikes to explore the all the sites. You can chill with your feet up at Ashaway or you can be very active. There are go-carts, basketball courts, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and mini-golf.
New Hampshire - Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
There are 152 campsites with 65 full hookups for RV’s. Sea Coast is right off US Route 1 in North Hampton, NH. It is surrounded by green trees. The closest shoreline beach is just four miles from the grounds. Onsite they are pet friendly and offer a large playground. While there is not a ton of swimming options outside your door, this is a great location to hit multiple New Hampshire vacation favorites. In addition to the stretches of beach, Portsmouth is only eight miles up the road.
Vermont - Sugar Ridge RV Village
Sugar Ridge is settled on 68 acres of maple and pine trees. You can even rent 40-foot campers at this family-friendly village. It is located on Old Stagecoach Rd. in Danville, VT. There are two swimming pools, horse wagon rides, and dedicated hiking and bike trails. Sugar Ridge organizes daily activities you can partake in as well.
Maine - Balsam Woods, Spacious Skies
Spacious Skies has two locations in Maine, however, Balsam Woods is where RV’s go to really feel the spacious sky overhead. This is in Abbot, Maine, and while you share the grounds with cabins, you have the choice to pull your RV up to a woods or non-woods site. Regardless, there are miles of hiking trails. As for unique amenities – gem mining or jumping on a giant pillow trampoline anyone?
