The Basin is a glacial pothole, 30 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep, located along the Pemigawasset River in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. It is fed by a small waterfall that travels through a narrow chute before flowing into a bowl of pristine water. The granite walls of The Basin have been carved and smoothed over thousands of years by sand and stone, starting with erosion caused by a melting glacier that retreated through the solid bedrock.
Accessible to all, the Basin can be easily reached via a paved path from a spacious parking lot. However, the drawback of this convenience is the large crowds that often gather at this iconic New Hampshire landmark, as was the case this past Saturday in late September. To avoid the crowds, consider planning your visit for winter or spring.
In addition to this glorious bowl of beauty, there are endless cascades to explore here. Follow the Basin CasacadeTrail for a 2.6-mile, family and dog-friendly out-and-back. Find the All Trails directions and maps here.
After following the paved path from the parking lot, you will soon arrive at a small cascade and large, crystal clear pool.
Prior to crossing the bridge spanning the river, you will turn left and descend a small staircase to reach The Basin viewing area. For the more accessible viewing area above The Basin, turn left at the fork just before this part of the trail.
Explore the trail further to discover more waterfalls, river strolls, and a small flume. There are numerous paths to follow, allowing you to leisurely wander around. I somehow found myself on the Franconia Notch Bike Path, which leads to The Basin. This 8.7-mile paved route begins at the Flume Gorge Visitors Center in Lincoln and ends at the Skookumchuck trailhead. The 18-mile round-trip journey includes attractions such as Flume Gorge, The Old Man of the Mountain Profile, Profile Lake, Boise Rock, The Basin, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and Echo Lake. I plan to include this in our summer family plans for next year and will share anything I learn from our experience.
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