The Basin

The Basin is a granite pothole in the Pemigewasset River, where a waterfall feeds a smooth, bowl-shaped pool. It’s reached from the designated lot by a short paved path and a tunnel beneath I-93, so you can see the main feature without committing to a hike. This is one of Franconia Notch’s most rewarding short stops.

Small stones and sand carried in the current whirl around the granite, grinding it into the rounded bowl; the river is still smoothing the rock. Another water-worn feature just below the main boulder is called Old Man’s Foot.

The main Basin is the easy part. Basin Cascade Trail continues from the area toward Kinsman Falls and Rocky Glen Falls, with steeper, rootier footing that can get slick or muddy when wet. Make that a longer walk; you don’t need to tackle it to enjoy the pothole.

Henry David Thoreau visited The Basin in 1839 and later wrote about the pothole in his journal. An 1858 guide to the White Mountains also singled it out, making this a well-known stop for generations.

The main approach is paved with mild grades, and picnic tables are nearby. Visitors report restrooms by the lot, though their type isn’t clear. A cool spring is also nearby, but its drinking-water status isn’t specified, so bring your own water. From the viewing platforms, frame the waterfall with the curved granite rim to show both the cascade and the shape of the bowl.