Diana's Baths
4.7(3.9K)google
4.6(127)yelp
Hiking TrailWater ActivityKidsOutdoorPhoto SpotFreeMust-SeeWaterfallRiverRock Formation
Overview
Diana's Baths is a series of small waterfalls located in the southeastern corner of the town of Bartlett, New Hampshire, near the village of North Conway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, United States. This historic site is within the White Mountain National Forest. The stream that flows into this waterfall is called Lucy Brook.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeIdeal during early summer (May to June) for peak glacial snowmelt volume or early October for autumn framing. Hit the gravel trail early between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM when horizontal sunbeams pierce the birch canopy to light up the cascading granite potholes, allowing you to secure a premium spot in the highly restrictive lot.
Getting ThereSituated in Bartlett near North Conway. Drive from downtown North Conway and follow West Side Road north for 2.5 miles; the trailhead signage will be prominent on your left. It features a US Forest Service pay-and-display dirt lot ($5 daily fee via automated machine). A flat 0.6-mile wooded walk leads directly to the rock baths.
Travel Tips
- The 50-car gravel lot is entirely full by 08:00 in peak seasons; pay at the electronic kiosk immediately and display tickets on the dashboard to avoid fines.
- The smooth granite ledges house dangerously slick transparent moss rows; bare feet or flip-flops cause immediate falls, making wading shoes essential.
- USFS laws prohibit all drone aviation across this wilderness block; hanging personal nylon hammocks on native forest trees is strictly penalized.
Reviews
Positive
- A breathtaking series of cascading waterfalls and granite potholes; swimming in the cool mountain water in summer is infinitely fun.
- The trail to the falls is a flat, finely graded gravel path taking only 10 minutes; strollers and wheelchairs can easily access it.
- The site is highly dog-friendly; you'll see many visitors playing with their pups in the crystal-clear streams, making for a lovely vibe.
- The site requires just a nominal few-dollars self-pay parking fee, offering immense value for a full day of gorgeous nature scenery.
Heads up
- Due to high popularity and a tiny parking lot, spaces vanish after 10 AM, and illegal street parking draws heavily enforced, steep fines.
- During dry late-summer spells, the water volume drops drastically, turning grand cascades into a trickle, which can be underwhelming.
- The granite rocks at the falls are polished by water and coated in moss, making them dangerously slick—slips and falls are common.
- Aside from two basic porta-potties at the lot, the core waterfall area has absolutely no trash cans or restroom amenities.