13 Falls

[psychocy]

Hello,

I've been camping a couple times a year for the past few years at the Franconia Brook campground, near Franconia Falls. I've been to many of the nearby sites and trails, but I've never been out to 13 Falls. I have time off this week and am considering camping there.

Can anyone tell me what 13 Falls is like? Is it secluded? Are there tent platforms or sites? How many sites? Is it normally crowded? Are there any good swimming areas nearby? Are the falls there impressive? Port-a-potties (I hope not... the ones at FB smell)? Firepits? What is the landscape like?

As you can see, I know nothing about it except how to there. As much description as you can give is appreciated. I searched the internet but found very little.

Regards,
Ken

 

[sp1936]

13 Falls. A lovely place. Addressing your questions:

Secluded? I suppose. Popular, also. There are 9 dirtforms. If they fill up, the caretaker will direct you to overflow sites, as at all AMC campsites. Expect it to be full on weekends. There are LOTS of good swimming areas nearby. The falls are nice, perhaps not impressive. Depends on your point of view, if you know what I mean. There is a composting outhouse. Firepits? Forget it.

Steve

 

[swamp]

Hey Ken,
Last Friday night I stayed at Franconia Brook and on Sat. hiked up to 13 Falls. Although the weather was marginal the sites filled up and several were placed in overflow sites. I don't think that you would encounter that many during the week, but it is vacation season so you never know.
Steve summed up the facilities quite well. There is swimming with the larger swimming holes a couple hundred yards downstream from the campsite. There is a composting toilet, no fires beyond camp stoves, and there are two metal bear boxes for food storage. I would suggest that you use them as a bear kicked one of them around looking for vittles two weeks ago.
On the way out, just south of Twin Brook, a moose crossed the trail about 20 feet from me. It made my weekend.

 

[psychocy]

Thanks!

Wow, you guys are fast!

13 Falls sounds nicer than I expected. Surprised it's so busy, but I imagine it can't be any worse than the Franconia Brook sites. Can't wait to check out the swimming holes. I'll definitely make it a stop this week.

Thanks a bunch,
Ken