Jenness State Beach In New Hampshire Hides A Sunken Forest Beneath The Waves

With lakes and seashore, New Hampshirites have plenty of beaches to choose from. One beach in particular stands out though – not just for its beautiful shoreline and great swimming, but also for the hidden natural history hidden beneath its waves that most visitors don’t know about.

Just a bit up the coast from the always crowded Hampton Beach, you’ll find Jenness State Beach in Rye.

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This sandy beach would be worth visiting just for its great swimming and views - it’s a perfect spot for families.

TripAdvisor/John S.

It’s a popular spot with surfers for its rolling waves.

Flickr/Jasmin Hunter

What most people don’t know, however, is that under the waves is a hidden sunken forest thousands of years old.

Flickr/Guy Chouinard

56 stumps from trees in a vast forest that dates back 3,400 to 3,800 years have been preserved on the seafloor from a time when the shore of New Hampshire extended as much as 75 miles east of its current position.

Flickr/aedeschaine

The forest is rarely sighted above sea level since the weather conditions and tide have to be just right - the last time was in 2010. But next time you visit, know that you are swimming over some truly incredible natural history.

Flickr/aehsdeschaine

Learn more about the sunken forest of Jenness State Beach by watching the video below – and don’t forget to visit the beach yourself this summer!