HikerSpace.net

The trailhead location is about 14 miles North of Fryeburg Maine on Route 113. The parking lot is located on the East (right) side of the road and the trailhead is about 20 yards further North on the West (left) side of the road. Both are clearly marked and at last visit, the parking was still free.

We hiked the trail most recently on October 2, 2005. It was a beautiful sunny day, but we didn't start until about 2 p.m. By the time we got to Emerald Pool, the sun was pretty well hidden by the trees. I would recommend starting earlier in the day. Plan to swim and then eat lunch. Emerald Pool is absolutely beautiful. The river all around it is the typical rocky, shallow, New England river. And that's really all you can see until you're actually standing on top of the pool. The way the approach is set is that you come from above the pool, so as you're walking toward the river, you really can't see the pool until you're standing on the rock looking straight down about fifteen feet. Don't worry - you can go down and around the rock face to swim as well, if you don't want to jump. We typically jump. The water is very deep, thus giving the pool its name because it looks Emerald in color. What I like about it is that you can go swimming in it and not get washed down river because just beyond the pool, the river spreads wide again and there is a very minimal current. By far, this is our favorite swimming hole (so far) in the White Mountains. We've been to a lot and like this one primarily because of its easy access and the "jump fun factor". You won't be disappointed. Cold, maybe. But not disappointed.

This hike is about as easy as they come. Truly, I would call it more of a walk in the woods than a hike. This is a great hike for the whole family. The kids will really like it because they can go swimming.

It takes us about 15 minutes each direction and there is a very minimal elevation gain. The trail is about 3/4 mile each direction.