Livermore Falls
Waterfall And Gorge On The Pemigewasset River Between Plymouth And Campton In A State Forest Recreation Area, With The Ruins Of An Old Pulp Mill And An Old Iron Bridge (Confirm); Used For Swimming And Fishing Despite Fast, Dangerous Water. · Campton, New Hampshire
A set of falls and a rocky gorge on the Pemigewasset River about 2 miles north of Plymouth, in a state forest recreation area on the Campton side of the river (confirm the managing agency). The river drops over granite ledges and churns through a narrow channel of boulders, potholes and deep pools, spanned by an old iron truss bridge that no longer carries cars (confirm its status). Along the banks are the stone and concrete ruins of a pulp mill from the late 1800s or early 1900s (confirm), when the falls powered industry, and the remains of other old works. Today it is a local place to swim, fish, sunbathe on the ledges and photograph the bridge over the white water. It is also one of the more dangerous swimming spots in the state: the current is strong and deceptive, the water is cold, and people have drowned here over the years. Parts of the area have been closed to swimming or jumping at times (confirm). The main lot is off NH Route 175, with short, rough paths down to the river, and there are no lifeguards.
NH Route 175, Campton, New Hampshire, 03223, United States
Generally open daily during daylight, with no gate or staff; posted rules may close the area at dusk and forbid swimming in parts of the river (confirm current signs). The main use season is from about late June to early September, when the water level drops and warms slightly. In spring melt from about April to early June, and after heavy rain at any time, the river is high and violent and no one should enter it. The lot off Route 175 may not be plowed in winter (confirm), and paths to the river are icy from about December to March. There are no staffed toilets; any portable unit is seasonal (confirm).