Smarts Brook Swimming hole

This is a very easy out and back hike that leads to a popular swimming hole just over a mile from Route 49.

Distance: 2.2 Miles (round trip)

Elevation Gain: 230 feet

Time: 40-60 minutes

The trail begins at the southwestern end of the Smarts Brook parking lot, on your left as you head out of Waterville Valley on Route 49, just after Upper Mad River Road crosses the river on your right. From the parking lot the trail turns left and enters the woods on some log steps, joining with an old roadbed. S

oon a cross country ski trail with a blue marker bears to the left. Stay right and follow the trail through a stand of hemlocks until you join with a logging road. Here, the Tri-Town Trail continues straight ahead. To remain on the Smarts Brook Trail, turn left at the intersection on the logging road. After a while, the brook will come alongside the roadbed on your left; and soon after that, you will come to a forest protection area, where there is a popular swimming hole. From here you can enjoy the cool waters then head back the way you came.

If you would like to explore further and make a loop out of it, the upper trailhead of the Tri-Town trail enters 10 minutes up from the pool. The Yellow Jacket Trail diverges left shortly after that on a wooden bridge crossing over Smart's Brook.

Look below to see our photo gallery of this hike. If you snap any of your own photos be sure to tag @waterville_valley.