Franconia Falls

[Haystacker]

I am planning on going for a little hike with my Fiance this weekend and I decided to take a stroll up to Lincoln Woods. I've never been to this trailhead so I thought I'd go for a walk there in anticipation of a Bonds traverse I hope to do soon.
I decided to call ahead and get a pass to visit Franconia Falls. I've never been there, but I love natural water slides. Is Franconia Falls a fun destination for a Summer afternoon walk in the woods? Is there still concern for the sanitation of the site? Should we be concerned about jumping into the water?
Any advice would be great!
Should be a beautiful weekend in the Northeast- I hope everyone gets outdoors!

 

[nartreb]

I was there not too long ago. The water was high after a week of rain and the rangers had officially banned swimming at the falls. I'd call the rangers to check, but the weather lately's been pretty dry so I wouldn't expect any problems.

I'm not aware of any sanitation issues. I expect there will be several kids, um, playing in the water, but the flush rate's pretty darn good and there's nothing upstream but wilderness.

The trail is very flat and easy. There are other swimming holes in WMNF at shorter distances from a road, but the walk in the woods will just make you savor it more.

 

[askus3]

While you are scouting the area, you might also want to check out the trail beyond where the sign says "trail not maintained beyond this point" as this is the non-trail connector approach to Lincoln Brook Trail avoiding river crossings and hooks up for your continuation to Owls Head.

 

[BrentD22]

!!!!!!!!!!!!1

It's a very fun, clean, basiclly safe if you are a safe person.

I could be wrong, but I don't think passes are required unless they've added this since I was last there.

The natural water slides are great. Plus there tends to be plenty of other "things/people" to look at.