Swim, Hike, And Relax At Some Of New Hampshire's Most Unique Waterfalls

America's great outdoors are filled with some of the world's most breathtaking waterfalls. From the epic roar of Niagara Falls to small, hidden gems tucked away in a mountain creek, the vast landscape of the U.S. has no shortage of photogenic waterfall scenes to delight hikers and photographers alike. Most of these waterfalls are "look but don't touch" only. That's usually not an issue. After all, waterfalls are often beautiful enough that a breathtaking view is more than sufficient. 

But in a few special circumstances, some of America's magical waterfalls provide a much more interactive experience. From coast to coast, the United States has numerous beautiful waterfalls you can actually swim in. These natural swimming holes provide a double benefit for anyone lucky enough to experience them. Not only do they provide amazing views, they also let you take a dip and cool off after a long hike. 

In many areas, these fun swimming stops are also awash in interesting (and sometimes macabre) folklore. A prime example of this is the provocatively named Purgatory Falls in south New Hampshire. As a terrific hiking destination, scenic viewpoint, and fun opportunity for swimming, Purgatory Falls alone is more than enough to justify the trip. But the local legends surrounding the falls add a distinctive layer of spooky fun to this New Hampshire natural wonder. 

New Hampshire is one of the top outdoor destinations in the eastern United States at all times of year. Landmarks like the formidable Mount Washington are among the most spectacular (and most challenging) natural attractions in the country. And in the autumn months, New Hampshire might be America's best state for beautiful fall foliage. All of this natural beauty comes in the context of a long and complex history dating back to the Colonial Era, which adds an interesting sheen of good old-fashioned New England folklore to the mix. 

Purgatory Falls is a great example of this blend of natural beauty and intriguing legend. On the surface, Purgatory Falls is a lovely cascade along the broader Purgatory Brook, a tributary of the Souhegan River near the southern New Hampshire town of Lyndeborough. But if local tales are to be believed, these serene waterfalls once hosted some less-than-desirable guests. 

According to legend, the Devil himself once hosted a dinner party at the falls, where he invited local church members to feast on some of his homestyle (or "hell-style") cooking. As the story goes, the Devil drew directly from the fires of hell to cook his beans. However, he apparently bit off a bit more than he could chew and ended up melting many of the surrounding rocks so badly that his feet got stuck to the ground. Traces of this enduring tale are evident in the names of nearby rock formations, like "the Devil's Footprint" and "the Devil's Bean Pot." While it's unclear where this story came from that inspired the name "Purgatory Falls," the devilish legend certainly adds a fun chill to any present-day visit to the falls. 

Possible satanic origins aside, Purgatory Falls today deserves mention among the world's most incredible natural swimming holes. The main Purgatory Brook Trail actually passes by three different sections of Purgatory Falls along a roughly 5-mile hike. Though the entire trail takes about an hour and a half to complete, hikers will pass Lower Purgatory Falls within the first 10 minutes or so. As luck would have it, this section of Purgatory Brook is perhaps the best swimming stop on the entire trail, so visitors looking for little more than a quick dip can get change into their swimming gear and head out to the trail's main swimming hole without too much time or effort. 

As indulgent as the Purgatory Falls swimming hole is, it's far from the only amazing amenity on the trail. Hikers who aren't interested in getting wet can instead enjoy a picnic amid the gorgeous New Hampshire scenery at one of the trail's many excellent picnicking spots. Plus, the area that the trail runs through (sometimes called Purgatory Reservation) offers several additional hiking trails for anyone looking to get some steps in during their scenic tour of the region. All in all, Purgatory Falls is so rich in natural beauty, fun adventures, and scenic views that one can easily believe even the Devil would want to pay a visit!