Franklin Falls Dam in Franklin NH

Franklin Falls Dam is a large dam at 1740 feet wide and 140 feet tall. The dam is located along the Pemigewasset River. It was completed in 1943 by the US Army Corps of Engineers who still maintains it today. Construction started in 1939 and lasted about 4 years at a cost of 7.9 million dollars to complete. The dam was built to control flood waters in the Merrimack River Basin. It is capable of controlling up to 50.2 billion gallons of water. Part of the planning of Franklin Falls Dam was to move the entire town of Hill Village out of the way to make room for flood waters.

Franklin Falls Dam is now open to the public. Visitors can park in the roadside parking area and walk the 1.5 mile paved road to the dam or drive right to to the top of the dam parking area. Its accessibility makes this attraction a great place to visit for people with disabilities. There are recreational trails on the property for hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking.

There is also a smaller viewing are and picnic area on Ledgeview Dr in Franklin NH.