swimming holes beyond the Seacoast

Life on the Seacoast offers residents an easy way to cool off during hot summer weather. But with beach communities clogged by throngs of tourists, hungry parking meters and frigid ocean water, going to the beach can flare tempers more than it cools the skin. During the peak of the summer season, locals may want to think twice before heading to the beach.

A few cool alternatives can be found a bit farther north at the dozens of lakes and rivers that crisscross New Hampshire and Maine. The Spaulding Turnpike brings adventurers to a number of refreshing locations in under an hour.

One of the more unique places to visit to beat the heat is Diana’s Baths, located in Bartlett, N.H., off West Side Road. The half-mile hike is well worth the effort. The Baths consist of several small waterfalls that pour from one pool to the next. There are picnic tables along the waterfalls, as well as plenty of large rocks to spread out towels and blankets for sunbathing.

Climbing from one pool to the next is the most exciting part of the Baths. Discovering all the different pools and secret spaces behind the waterfalls delivers satisfaction for curious visitors. Lucy Brook keeps swimmers cool, and those not interested in sunbathing will find plenty else to do.

For more adventurous travelers, the Saco River might be the best way to cool off. The river runs from the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the coast of Maine at Ferry Beach. Canoers and rafters can enjoy floating downstream through miles of woodland.

The most popular sections of the river for floating are in Conway, N.H., and Brownfield, Maine. These portions have many sandy beaches and calm flowing waters with few rapids. Campgrounds line the riverbanks in some areas, enabling visitors to end a long day of floating by relaxing by the fire instead of driving home.

A good tip for the Saco is to bring plenty of ice Jell-O shots to toss to fellow floaters. On extremely hot days and weekends, the river becomes more of a party ground than a nature getaway. Flotillas of all kinds, full of fun-loving people, drift through the Saco’s serpentine twists and turns.

If you’re looking for a mellower family spot, Echo Lake off Route 302 in Conway is perfect. There is a lifeguard on duty, as well as a roped swimming area for kids. Cathedral Ledge, with its 700-foot rock face, overlooks the lake.

The Lower Falls on the Swift River also offer family fun. Located alongside the Kancamagus Highway outside of Conway, the falls include natural waterslides, small pools of water and a large swimming area with a sandy bottom. There is plenty of room on the smooth, water-worn rocks to lie in the sun and dry off.

Some of these places require small parking or entry fees, so make sure you bring a few dollars. To find out more, visit www.nhstateparks.org.