Lonesome Lake

Franconia Notch State Parks most scenic lake is a postcard-worthy destination for a day on the water. It is accessible via a steep 1.6-mile hike that gains over 1,000-feet in elevation by the time you reach the clearing. But it is worth every step, as the sapphire blue waters surrounded by lush treetops and green rolling make this one of the best places to go swimming in New Hampshire. Even on a hot summer day, the waters remain very cold and inviting, which is great if you have worked up a sweat from the hike. There is also a small AMC hut that is open seasonally where you can grab a snack or a drink.