Great trail, especially since it was early May and the park wasn't fully open yet, so this felt like the best option. Very kid friendly and also had handicap accessible viewing areas. It wasn't mind-blowing, but it was a fun little adventure and really enjoyable for what it was. read more

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Nice place to walk. Opens at 9. Get there early before all the other tourists come and then it gets crowded. read more

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It is really near the carpark so you actually dont sweat when you reach it. And the roads are paved especially going to the handicap viewing area. Not that stroller friendly due to the natural landscape of the ground. On the way to the basin you could see the river and some minor falls for more enjoyment of the walk. read more

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Lovely area for hiking and very beginner/family friendly. Literally anyone can do this one! Albeit simple, it's so pleasant and filled with scenery. The tree coverage made for comfortable shade and the basin itself gave off a nice cooling mist and was just a stunning shade of crystal clear blue. There is plenty of nearby parking and this trail is free. Add this to your white mountain itinerary! read more

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-Great spot. -Right off the highway. -Well maintained trails to the Basin. -Not as awesome as Lost River or the Flume but a pleasant and interesting place to walk through and see. -Interesting information available on signs about its geological evolution that may be interesting to some. -Worth a half hour or so if you're in the area. read more

My parents have been coming here for over 40 years and with me since a small child. We recently visited again as adults and it's everything I remembered it to be. A very easy walk, mostly paved, it is a beautiful free scenic site to enjoy the beauty of the NH mountains. Keep going if you are more adventurous to several trails. So peaceful and relaxing to see the water rushing in a thousands-year old fall. Nature truly is amazing. read more

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We were feeling a little tired after going to Flume Gorge, so the basin was a nice little visit. We stopped for lunch in the picnic area before going to the basin. The basin is an amazing site to visit. Carved by glaciers and torrents of water over hundreds of thousands of years, this natural landmark has amazed visitors for years. I haven't been here in years, and I was just as mesmerized as I was when I was a child. There are a trails connected through here. But they cross streams and my wife didn't have the right footwear, so we did not end up hiking the cascade-basin trail. There were streams to that one could take a dip in. The water looked welcoming! But alas, it was not so this visit. read more

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When I found out The Flume was not pet friendly, I began looking for things to do with my dog while the rest of my group visited The Flume. The Basin was the third stop on my lit nerd trail, and it was wonderful!!! I'd planned to visit Frost's Place, the Old Man, and The Basin with my 4-legged baby. We had the best time. I'd researched the Basin (mostly on All Trails and some Google articles before going), so I knew it was accessible. I think seeing how many groups were out using the trails because they needed the accessibility made me appreciate The Basin on another level. I had read somewhere it didn't take long to do the trails. This lead me to making a huge mistake. I underestimated the time I set aside to see The Basin. There's a lot to enjoy. I was rushed. It was still wonderful though. I was disappointed I had to leave. Sidebar - My dog is a rescue. There are certain sounds that scare her - i.e. plastic bags. She's also very well traveled, and she loves hiking. I did learn she's not a huge fan of some of the rushing water sounds...which was interesting bc we've hiked several falls. I just wanted to mention it in case it was helpful to someone. The only thing keeping me from giving The Basin a full 4 stars is I tried using 3 restrooms after listening to all of the rushing water, and they were communicable disease filthy. There must have been a group that visited earlier in the day that had some bad food or something. I tent camp. I use privies. It was bad that day. I'd love to go back some day, so I can bump it up if things look better. Difficulty 1/10 read more

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As a NH native, this is a do not miss. Not only is it beautiful, it is without admission. The white waters are extremely cold, and I dare you to get in the whole way. The only way I have ever fully submerged was using a push up position. Higher up the water is warmer, so check the temperature. I almost met my demise here when I was around 7. I was sliding down a natural waterside, for a few feet. After doing this several times, I was almost swept away by a current and had to dig my legs into rocks to prevent myself from sliding into the rapids. Kids don't be dumb! At least I was rugged and made the right decision. There are extensions that access the wetlands, and if I remember right the Appalachian trail. You will have to cross a segment that floods, and can become impassable. If it is a go you still may get wet. On a hot day, this is idyllic. read more

The Basin - Parks Near Me

Great walkway, beautiful scenery easy enough for all ages, this is a favorite stop for us every time we are in New Hampshire, I'm old enough to remember when you could swim here, not anymore surrounded by fencing super safe. Easy pull off from the highway. Well maintained and did I mention scenic in every sense of the word?! read more

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My husband and I have been visiting the White Mountains for over 40 years! It's so beautiful and serene, the mountains are breathtaking! The Basin is one of the areas you can stop at along I-93, here you can walk along a trail viewing waterfalls and creeks .There is also a moderate trail" The Pemi Trail" which takes you to a gorgeous rocky creek area where you can climb onto the rocky glaciers and you can stop anywhere's along the way or keep going to the top ! Unbelievably amazing views ! If you love feeling close to nature it doesn't get much better than this ! read more

It was a beautiful hike. Lots of great falls to look at and there is also a small pool for swimming. Walk along the path or you can ride your bike. Pets are allowed here so you can bring them along which makes for a nice experience. Definitely worth a visit if you are visiting Franconia state park. read more

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The Basin is a nice little site intermingled with other attractions around Franconia Notch. It's free, and restrooms are available next to the parking, and you've probably been driving for a while, so all of that is nice. The basin itself is a pleasant, if static site. It looks like it would be nice to take a dip, but of course, safety concerns prevail. You can dip your feet in shallow water elsewhere. The accompanying waterfalls offer a nice place to sit and relax. read more

My wife and I are visiting and staying in Ashland. The drive up here was easy and the White Mountains beautiful. The Basin and Flume Gorge are both easy hikes. It is our last day in this state and the peace and relaxation up here was just what the doctor ordered. read more

This place is gorgeous. So many nooks and crannies to explore. Nice place to picnic. Bring a towel or second set of clothes just in case something happens and you get wet. We had our 8 year old nuff said. Great place. read more

Great spot for a low key and easy family hike. We quickly made it to the Basin and then continued on down past the Baby Flume. It was a relatively easy hike and my 3 year old managed to walk/run the whole way. The scenery was lovely, and it was calming to listen to the babbling water along the way. There has been quite a bit of rain so trails were a bit muddy in spots so hiking shoes would be a good idea! read more

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The Basin is a ten foot waterfall that cascades into a circular bowl rock formation. It's located directly across from the Flume in Lincoln, NH. There are miles of paved walkways and waterfalls to explore. It's a fantastic and cheap way to get outdoors in Franconia Notch and a must see for all nature lovers and photogs. It's free! read more

one of the most amazing natural waterfalls & surrounding walkways! highly recommend. great vibes

Simply gorgeous! Took many photographs when we visited last year. Also went for a long hike on one of the tougher trails that went uphill! Got covered in mud but that's part of the fun! To view The Basin - it is a short easy walk from a parking lot. One of the most beautiful spots in New Hampshire! read more

The Basin - Parks Near Me

Wow what a beautiful place to visit! And for free? Just go and you will be glad you did.

A great place to bring a group of various skill levels and ages. Paved walk-ways and "nature paths" allow all to have their fun. Natural water slides for teens was perfect. Free. A great "must-do" read more

It was nature's hot tub for angels and the gods. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. And you bring your bath salts to rest and relax in its beauty and magnificence. read more

The Basin - The Basin - Parks Near Me

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This is a must see for an easy experience of the streams and waterfalls with the young or old! It is free and there is a small parking lot and then an easy short walk over to the trails. Sneakers or water shoes are helpful if you want to climb the rocks or wade into the icy mountain streams. It's amazing to see how the water has smoothed over the large boulders at the basin or the rocks along the way. There are also spots for a picnic - just be kind to bring your trash with you as it's very clean. read more

The Basin is beautiful! There is a lovely cleared walking path that follows the river. The temperature drops as you get closer to the Basin. This place is a must see! There are also bathrooms and picnic tables. read more

The basin itself is a super short walk and interesting. No swimming however. I recommend venturing a little farther to enjoy some other features in the trails nearby. The basin-cascades trail to kinsman falls and beyond was a short hike, moderate difficulty and lovely. Great picnic / hangout spot. There were some pools to cool off in although I'm not sure it's allowed. read more

This is a beautiful spot hidden from the road but is accessible by a nice, short walk. Walk along any of the short trails around the basin for pretty little spots and small waterfalls. If you visit during the week just before dusk, it's very quiet and you will have the whole place almost to yourself. This is a must see! read more

Love this place! It's beautiful and also free. Nice hiking trails and lots of different things to see along them. Baby flume is really neat to see. I've been here a bunch of times and it's always a great time. read more

We were looking for something to do on a cloudy summer morning with a couple of teenage boys. This place was great! Free parking and plenty of trails to wander on. The morning we went it had rained the night before, so the trails were a bit muddy. I would definitely recommend sneakers, ones that you don't mind getting a bit dirty. Fun place to explore and take pictures, when your looking for something to do that won't cost you a dime! read more

Simply the best spot for the summer. Beautiful waterfalls, walking trails, and places to relax. Lying down on the slightly slanted large rocks lining the streams and waterfalls here is so relaxing!!! read more

The Basin is an amazing spot for both avid hikers looking for a full day trip and families just wanting to spend an hour or so in the nature of Franconia Notch. You'll get stunning views no matter the length of hike you choose. Keep an eye on small children because it could be very dangerous if they are not under constant supervision. The hike level of difficulty varies and if you choose to go longer than an hour, bring snacks and plenty of water... it is easy to lose track of time, there is NO cell signal, and it isn't too difficult to get off the trail. Definitely bring some sort of map with you and always tell someone where you're going and how long you plan to go for. I consider myself a pretty experienced hiker and I've gotten off track a couple of times- yikes! The good thing about the Basin is that it's nestled in between roads (but not so close that you don't get the "I'm exploring!" feeling) , so you're not too far away from civilization. The Basin is a good option in both rain or shine, but prepare accordingly. If you do happen to hike in the rain, wear proper boots as it can get quite muddy. The area is stunning and as long as you prepare well, you're going to have an unforgettable trip! read more