The Basin
Franconia Notch State Park,
Lincoln, NH
603 745-8391

Hiking to the Basin is a very easy, paved most of the way, and offers handicapped visitors great views.

The Basin is beautiful, gurgling waterfall that's been a long time in the making. The final chapter of the Ace Age brought glaciers through Franconia Notch, and the water that followed sanded the river walls, and polished them like sea glass. This is such a peaceful place, with the churning of the Pemigewasett River, as you gaze at Eagle Cliff.

Swimming has been banned here since the 1960s, so restrain yourself! It sure does look inviting, though. Dogs are allowed on leashes, so Spot can soak up all the nature, too.

More ambitious and hearty folks can extend their hike for another 2.5 challenging miles to Lonesome Lake along a well-marker trail. The Lonesome Lake Hut is open to the public for camping, and can accommodate up to 48 people.

There are tons of restaurant and lodging choices along Route 3. This is a great place to stop for those en route to other locations, as it is just of I-93 at Exit 34-A.

What makes this a great spot is complex: it's a great place for families, it's wheelchair accessible to a degree, and it's romantic. That's pretty hard to beat..