About this spot
Emerald Pool is a spring-fed plunge pool on Charles Brook in Chatham, reached by an easy 0.4-mile walk from the Baldface Circle Trail parking area on NH 113 in Evans Notch. A short waterfall feeds the pool, whose green tint comes from algae on the granite bottom, and the polished rock ledges ringing it have long served as informal jumping platforms of varying heights. It's one of the most visited swimming holes in the White Mountains, popular with hikers and locals all summer. Water stays cold year-round, and depth shifts with runoff and season since submerged rocks can move between visits — scout the landing from the water before jumping rather than trusting last year's line. No fees or facilities; roadside parking fills on warm weekends.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.