Thirteen Falls

Despite its name, this area in the White Mountain National Forest actually contains only five waterfalls. They all range in height from 5 to 20 feet tall, and four of them have beautiful glistening pools at the bottom where you can go swimming. The water comes from the Franconia Brook, so it is rather cold throughout the year, which is great if you are visiting during a hot summer day. The lowest pool along the trail is the best for swimming, as it is easily accessible and has a calm, gentle current. The only downside of this beautiful swimming destination is the journey. The hike is 8 miles (16-miles round trip), so it is not exactly an easy day trip. But you can break up the trek over several days and stay at the campsite near the falls.