Last weekend we beat the heat by heading to The Basin in Franconia Notch State Park in Franconia, NH.  The Basin is one of many roadside natural attractions in the park, that has well developed accessible trails that showcase the dramatic beauty.  Our friend Sarah joined us for this adventure too!

The Basin trail sign.

The actual Basin is a large pothole (30 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep).  You can read more information about the history here.

The infamous Basin pothole.

The Basin-Cascade Trail sign is near The Basin.

As we had suspected, there was a good crowd along the walking paths checking out the sights and even dipping their feet in the cool waters.  We weaved our way through the sightseers to the Basin Cascades Trail.  We knew there would be some impressive waterfalls, less crowds, and a chance to get close to the water.

Sarah at the cascades.

Alden didn’t mind hanging out in the backpack carrier and enjoyed looking at the waterfalls.  He was particularly interested in the “tiny waterfall” and collecting small nature items in his net.

Group shot at the cascades.

The view down the cascades. The water must flow strong and wide at certain times of the year.

We stopped for a family photo, including turtle.

We didn’t make it very far up the trail when we decided to turn around.  Alden was getting a little restless and we stopped at a good cascade pool and let him out of the carrier to explore the water with us and his toys that he had brought along.  At this time of year the smooth granite of the exposed streambed makes for a fine ‘sidewalk’ to get close to the water.

Can you find Sarah on the boulder?

Are you brave to try this natural waterslide?

I wonder what funny thing Alden said for Andrew to make this face?

“The water is cold!” And can you spot the tractor?  Who doesn’t bring a tractor on a hike with them?

This is a popular spot by tourists and locals because it is very easy access off route 93.  The beginning is also handicapped accessible for all walking abilities.  A lovely short walk to a cool spot on a hot day that we look forward to re-visiting to explore along the trail further.