Beaches
Treasure Island. Fairlee, VT. – This is great place for kids to swim. There’s a dock to jump off of, a playground, covered picnic tables, and lots of shade. A fabulous place to spend the day.
Canaan St. Lake. Canaan, NH. A popular spot this is great for kids to take swimming. Clear water and a nice sandy beach.
Hartland Dam. Hartland, VT. Spend the day at the dam. Bring a picnic and eat under the pavilion, swim and bask on the beach, let your kids enjoy the playground and grass spaces, and most of all have fun.
Goose Pond. Canaan. This is a small pond with less than 200 houses on it. There are two beaches here. One at ‘the Acre,’ a public boat launch, and the other is at the dam portion of the lake.
Silver Lake. Barnard, VT. This is a Vermont State Park. Enjoy fishing, swimming, the playground, picnic tables, and snack bar.
Storrs Pond. Hanover, NH. Swim in the pond or the pools. There’s a splash pad too. Rent a boat and go fishing, or just paddle in a kayak. Play tennis or disc golf. Go for a hike. At Storrs Pond, the day is full of more than just swimming.
Crystal Lake. Enfield, NH. A nice place to go swimming and relax.
Shakoma Beach. Enfield, NH. Enfield’s town beach right on Mascoma Lake by the main bridge that joins 4A and 4. Guest passes are available at the town office for a parking permit.
Swimming
Boston Lot. Lebanon, NH. Serene! Tucked up on a hill, Boston Lot is literally a hidden gem. Great fishing and hiking. There’s a grassy spot for lawn games and a picnic table for lunch.
Trues Brook. West Lebanon, NH.– A local favorite swimming hole. Take the first left off 12A by Home Depot. There’s parking by the bridge.
Cole Pond. Enfield, NH. Take a short hike up to this peaceful pond.
Erwin Clifford Park. Hartford, VT. The park is set behind a quiet residential neighborhood right on the river. There’s lots to do to keep you, your family, and friends busy.
Quechee Gorge. Quechee, VT. Park at the visitor’s center or across the street and walk down to the gorge. There you’ll find boulders to sit on and dip your feet or pop into the water for a refreshing swim. The Quechee Gorge is a must-see natural attraction in the area.
Beyond the Upper Valley
Forty five minutes to an hour away or so.
Lake Sunapee. Sunapee, NH. A favorite of mine growing up. Lake Sunapee has a large expanse of beach, picnic tables and grills, snack shack, playground, boat launch and more.
Wellington State Park. Bristol, NH. A state park on Newfound Lake. There are hiking trails, picnic areas, and places to play volleyball and horse shoes.
Sculptured Rocks. Groton, NH. You can also enjoy Sculptured Rocks in nearby Groton for a beautiful site of a mini gorge carved out by the local river. Swimming can be dangerous if the water level is high.
Pleasant Lake. New London, NH. A beautiful lake with a fabulous Inn and Restaurant.
