New Hampshire's Swift River certainly lives up to its name. Here in the White Mountains, where Route 112 follows the river valley, the fast flowing river drops 2400 feet over a 26 mile run. Starting its course from up on Mount Kancamagus, nimble sightseers stop along the gorge to experience firsthand the thunderous torrent.
   Pictured here is the Rocky Gorge Lower Falls area located just off the highway near the former village of Passaconaway. Now part of the White Mountain National Forest, the forest service maintains two campgrounds in the area as well as the Russell-Colbath House. Built in the 1830s, the house is a sole-survivor of the Swift River Valley community and is used by the Forest Service as a museum and information center.
   Stepping out onto gigantic granite boulders along the stream in the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area can give a sense of the fun and exhilaration that whitewater enthusiasts often seek. Just below the lower falls are six miles of the wildest whitewater rivers in New England. It stands as having the meanest souse holes and roughest standing waves found anywhere in New England.
   Seen here during the autum season the Swift River has lost its punch and the now tame stream doesn't look as formidable as it would during the spring. The surrounding forests, breathtaking during early October, consist of spruce, balsam fir, hemlock, sugar maple, beech, birch, and red oak.

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