
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
A scenic gem on the Kancamagus Highway, featuring a waterfall, refreshing river pools for swimming, and a historic covered bridge.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic gem on the Kancamagus Highway, featuring a waterfall, refreshing river pools for swimming, and a historic covered bridge.
"This is one of the BEST places to dip yourself in a river for a short swim!"

🚗 Parking Pass Tip
Buy your $5 pass at a ranger station to avoid lines at Rocky Gorge. It's valid for multiple sites!
🏊♀️ River Swim Ready
Bring swimwear and a towel for the refreshing river pools. Water shoes are a good idea!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rocky Gorge Waterfall
Swift River
A beautiful, accessible waterfall cascading over rocks, perfect for a quick photo stop.

Swift River Swimming Holes
Swift River
Invigorating natural pools carved into the river, ideal for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Albany Covered Bridge
Near Rocky Gorge
A picturesque historic covered bridge, offering a charming backdrop for photos.

Falls Pond Trail
Adjacent to Rocky Gorge
A short, scenic trail leading to a tranquil pond, offering a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything on the Kancamagus
Embrace the River's Embrace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pass Tip
Buy your $5 pass at a ranger station to avoid lines at Rocky Gorge. It's valid for multiple sites!
🏊♀️ River Swim Ready
Bring swimwear and a towel for the refreshing river pools. Water shoes are a good idea!
🥾 Trail Shoes Recommended
While some paths are paved, others are dirt. Good walking shoes are best for exploring.
📸 Capture the Views
The Kancamagus Highway offers stunning vistas; don't miss Rocky Gorge and the Albany Covered Bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pass Tip
Buy your $5 pass at a ranger station to avoid lines at Rocky Gorge. It's valid for multiple sites!
🏊♀️ River Swim Ready
Bring swimwear and a towel for the refreshing river pools. Water shoes are a good idea!
🥾 Trail Shoes Recommended
While some paths are paved, others are dirt. Good walking shoes are best for exploring.
📸 Capture the Views
The Kancamagus Highway offers stunning vistas; don't miss Rocky Gorge and the Albany Covered Bridge.
💧 Outhouse Alert
Restrooms are available but can be basic. Be prepared for potentially strong odors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rocky Gorge for its refreshing river swimming and beautiful waterfall, offering a more intimate experience than nearby attractions. While parking can be a challenge and restrooms are basic, the natural beauty and accessibility make it a highly recommended stop on the Kancamagus Highway.
"Sure, you can see a nice waterfall here, but that's not the main attraction. This is one of the BEST places to dip yourself in a river for a short swim! It's a much more intimate experience than the nearby and often overcrowded Lower Falls. We visited in Aug 2025 and enjoyed it a lot. Parking lot at the site ($5). Strongly recommended!"
Milan BALAZ
"We stopped here on our leaf peeping road trip. Beautiful falls and view of river. Short walk to a pretty pond. Not too busy. Out houses. Parking fee. Very pretty."
Rita Etherington
"My number 1 pick in Kancamagus HW.
It has multiple attractions, a river, a beautiful bridge over water stream, a lake, multiple trails for hiking.
You can spend half a day here.
The hiking trail goes around the lake for 3 miles and it is extremly beautiful.
I visited on October 4th 2025 and it was sunny and warm.
Parking is a challange. If you are lucky, someone leaves and it becomes available. It is $5 cash.
If you see cars parked by the road, that means, it is full. Jus park there and walk inside.
There is an Outhouse restroom that smells horrible."
Amin Ramazanifar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area is located directly off the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) in New Hampshire. It's approximately 36 miles from Conway and 20 miles from Lincoln. Look for the well-marked parking area on the north side of the highway.
Public transportation options are very limited in this scenic area. It's best accessed by private vehicle, as part of a road trip along the Kancamagus Highway.
Many visitors recommend driving from Conway towards Lincoln (east to west) to take advantage of the overlooks and pull-offs. However, Rocky Gorge is accessible from either direction.
Yes! The Albany Covered Bridge is less than 2 miles away, and other popular stops like Sabbaday Falls and the Covered Bridge are also along the Kancamagus Highway.
The Kancamagus Highway is typically open year-round, but conditions can be challenging in winter. Snow and ice may make access difficult, and some facilities might be closed. Always check road conditions before visiting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. It's recommended to purchase this pass at a ranger station along the Kancamagus Highway to avoid potential lines at the scenic area itself.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area is generally accessible during daylight hours, as it's an outdoor natural area. However, facilities like restrooms may have specific operating times.
No, advance booking is not required for Rocky Gorge. You pay the parking fee upon arrival or at a ranger station.
The parking lot can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. If it's full, you may need to park along the road shoulder, but be mindful of safety and regulations.
The $5 parking pass typically covers access to Rocky Gorge and often other designated sites along the Kancamagus Highway, making it a good value for a scenic drive.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the waterfall, swim in the refreshing river pools, walk to the nearby Albany Covered Bridge, and explore the short trail around Falls Pond. It's a great spot for a picnic and enjoying nature.
Yes, the walk from the parking lot to the river and the main waterfall is short and generally easy. Some paths are paved or smooth, making them accessible for many.
Absolutely! The river has several natural pools that are popular for swimming. It's a more intimate experience than nearby Lower Falls.
There's a short, scenic trail that circles Falls Pond, and other trails branch off from the main area. The hike around the pond is about 3 miles and offers beautiful scenery.
Expect beautiful natural scenery, including the cascading waterfall, the clear Swift River, a charming covered bridge, and the tranquil Falls Pond. The surrounding White Mountains add to the picturesque setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall, the river pools, the Albany Covered Bridge, and the scenic pond are all fantastic subjects. The surrounding foliage in autumn is also a major draw.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds. However, the vibrant fall colors can be stunning even in midday sun.
The main viewing area near the waterfall and bridge offers great perspectives. Exploring the trails around Falls Pond can also lead to unique photo spots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape and bridge. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and scenic areas to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check with local park authorities for specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing water shoes for the kids to safely navigate the riverbed. While there are restrooms, they are basic outhouses, so be prepared. The scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway itself is an adventure, with plenty of other stops that can break up the journey and keep children entertained.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
For those on a day trip, combine Rocky Gorge with other nearby attractions like Sabbaday Falls or the Covered Bridges for a comprehensive Kancamagus experience. If you're driving from Conway, stopping at the ranger station first to get your parking pass can save you time. Remember that parking can be challenging during peak times, so an early start is recommended to make the most of your visit.
📸 Photographers
For landscape photographers, the Falls Pond trail offers a different, more serene environment. Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. During fall, the vibrant colors create a stunning backdrop for any shot. Be prepared for varying light conditions and bring a tripod if you plan on using longer exposures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kancamagus Highway Experience
When driving the Kancamagus, it's wise to be prepared. Cell service can be spotty, so downloading offline maps is a good idea. Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited. The highway is popular, so expect crowds, especially on weekends and during peak fall colors. Arriving early in the day or visiting on a weekday can significantly enhance your experience by allowing for a more relaxed exploration of spots like Rocky Gorge.
Key attractions along the Kancamagus include Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, the Albany Covered Bridge, and various hiking trails. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area stands out for its unique combination of a waterfall, accessible river swimming, and its proximity to the historic Albany Covered Bridge, making it a multifaceted stop on this iconic drive.
Swimming and River Access at Rocky Gorge
While the river is a major draw, it's important to be aware of the conditions. The water can be cold, even in summer, and the rocks can be slippery. Water shoes are highly recommended to protect your feet and provide better traction. The depth of the pools varies, offering options for both wading and more immersive swimming. Always exercise caution and be mindful of the current, especially after heavy rainfall.
Beyond swimming, the riverbanks provide lovely spots to relax, picnic, and enjoy the sounds of the cascading water. The accessibility of the river from the parking area makes it easy for visitors of all ages to enjoy this natural amenity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit