Rattlesnake Pool
While this location is in Maine, you have to go through New Hampshire to get there. From North Chatham, NH, take route 113 N/Main Rd. and take a right onto Stonehouse road. The road divides in two; go right. This is Shell Pond Rd., but there was no sign, and it is just a one lane dirt road. Park at the end where you see a gate. This is actually private land that they allow trails to pass through, so please be respectful.
After parking, walk on the dirt road through a field until you see a large house. Take Stonehouse Trail which is on the left hand side (the right road is private). The trail splits shortly and you take the right hand path. This wasn’t marked when we were there. Continue on until the trail splits again, and there are small signs directing you to the gorge and to Rattlesnake Pool. Take the path to the left to go to Rattlesnake pool, or view the waterfall from the bridge just a few yards down the gorge trail. Continue up the trail, keeping your eye out for a very small white sign with an arrow directing you to the right, as this is the way to the pool. There is a steep path down to the pool, or you can cross the top of the fall, and take a more gradual climb down the mossy rocks. This is slippery.
This is a beautiful location, with a small waterfall, and clear emerald water. It is a fairly popular swimming hole, and not very large, so you might have to take turns. The deep pool has a few small places for jumping in and sitting around in.
Location Details
- 20 min.
- +44 15.120, -70 59.469
- Moderate
