Lat:44.34333   Lon:-72.06111   Source : MapPoint   Accuracy : Approximate

Link to Google Map

From St. Johnsbury, go south on RT 5 and turn west (right) on Joe's Brook Road about 2 miles before East Barnet. Take Joe's Brook Rd. toward Danville. When the road becomes gravel, go about .5 miles further and there is a pull off on the right. The swimming hole is near here in Joe's Brook.

ARLINGTON GREEN [ARLI]: Regional favorite swimming hole under the picturesque "Bridge at the Green" covered bridge over the Battenkill River near the home where Norman Rockwell once lived. It's a popular canoe put-in, tubing put-in or take-out area. Swimming here is nice, the current is not strong, while the deepest point is approximately fifteen feet. It is a family oriented place. There is a small grassy area ideal for picnicking. PHOTO

NONAME HOLE [NONA]: The swimming hole in Mill Brook consists of a number of slide-type water falls with small pools beneath them. PHOTO1 The upper pool is the largest, it is not deep enough to safely jump into, but plenty deep enough to swim.  Below this pool are 2 or 3 additional pools that look great to relax in. One interesting feature are the rocks--they are pinkish in color and, combined with the clear water, give a nice shade to the pools. PHOTO2

GROUT POND [GPON]: Lakes and ponds aren't usually listed on this website, but this one is so beautiful and secluded it definitely fits the bill. Grout Pond is literally in the middle of the Green Mountains and sees few visitors. The pond is circled with wooded campsites that are best accessed by canoe. Though the pond is quite big, the swimming area described here is quite small. If you are looking for a quiet, bucolic and serene swimming experience, visit this very special place midweek and bask in the solitude. These pictures were from a visit in late September with autumn on the doorstep. PHOTO1 PHOTO2 PHOTO3

ARLINGTON GREEN [ARLI]: Follow RT 7A north from Bennington, turn left onto RT 313 headed west in Arlington, towards NY state. Approximately five to seven miles down the road will be Covered Bridge Road on the left. Cross the covered bridge and park in the small parking area on the right. Very Confident. Verified Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:43.10406   Lon:-73.22041   Source : Measured   Accuracy : Exact  Link to Google Map

NONAME HOLE [NONA]: From the village of East Arlington, take Kansas Rd east. The road crosses over RT 7. Soon after, the road crosses Roaring Brook and changes into North Rd. Immediately after the bridge, take a right onto Kelly Stand Rd (this road heads up into Green Mountain National Forest). About 0.25 mile from the turn, you will pass the waterfalls on your right, there is an easily seen turnoff. Very Confident. Verified Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:43.05427   Lon:-73.11656   Source : Measured   Accuracy : Exact           Link to Google Map

GROUT POND [GPON]: To get here, follow the directions above for No Name Hole but continue on Kelly Stand Road past No Name Hole for approximately 10 miles. Kelly Stand Road is a windy, twisting road with beautiful views of the river. Take your time, be safe and enjoy the ride here. After ~10 miles, turn right on to Grout Pond Road. Follow the road past the ranger station, downhill to the parking area. Park here, walk toward the pond then turn right on the obvious path. Soon you will see the small grassy area with picnic tables bear a boulder, lined sandy beach. Very Confident. Verified Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:43.04653   Lon:-72.95106   Source : Measured   Accuracy : Exact Link to Google Map

Link to Google Map

Bromley Brook is a small and brook that flows over and through some very interesting rock formations which eventually fills the small swimming area at the bottom of the cascades. Very close to RT 7, this is not an exceptionally intimate swimming hole, however it does have a fine view of Mt. Equinox.

Though very close to RT 7, Benson's Hole is a little tricky to get to. RT 11 and RT 30 combine and the road winds through the Manchester area. From RT 7 take exit 4 and travel east on RT 11/30 for approximately 0.25 miles. Take a sharp, hairpin right turn onto East Manchester Road just as RT 11\30 begins to curve left and heads in a northerly direction. It can be very easy to miss this turn. East Manchester Road heads south then bends right to head in a westerly direction. In about 0.3 miles from the bend, you will need to bear left at the fork in the road to remain on East Manchester Road. If you stay straight here, you will be on Peace Road, which is a dead end and not where you want to be. After the fork, take your second left onto Glen Road and park near the small bridge that crosses Bromley Brook. Follow the shoreline downstream to the swimming area.

Link to Google Map

THIS SWIMMING HOLE IS SUFFERING FROM GREAT ABUSE. If you visit here please make an effort to pick up at least one piece of trash and dispose of it properly. The number of conscientious swimming hole visitors vastly outnumber those who abuse these places. If we all expend a small effort to right the wrongs committed by the thoughtless few, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Several separate waterfalls make up the Bolton Potholes swimming area; each one filling a large round rock bowl as the brook descends the hillside. Joiner brook is quite small, but the potholes remain filled with water throughout the summer and are always deep enough to swim in. The last pool opens up to a large, stony beach. This is a very popular swimming place.

How to get there : From Waterbury, follow RT 2 west approximately 6.5 miles from the intersection of RT 2 and RT 100 in Waterbury. Take a right onto Bolton Valley Road. The parking area is 0.25 miles on the right.

How to act when you are there : Be careful when you are parking or pulling out of the parking spots. The dirt and gravel are very loose and spinouts accelerate erosion. Do not use the driveways on private property to park or turn around. (Would you want hundreds of people turning around in your driveway every weekend?) Use your own bathroom before you visit. This beautiful swimming hole is heavily used and simply cannot accommodate the bathroom needs of a crowd. Yes, it is a natural thing, but when so many people leave their waste here, it turns this bucolic place into a cesspool. If you cannot find a safe place to park, try visiting one of the other 79 swimming holes in Vermont that are listed on this page.

Bristol Falls (also known as "Bartlett Falls"), and the upstream area known as Circle Current, comprise one of the biggest swimming areas in Vermont. Very popular but certainly enough room for everyone.

BRISTOL FALLS [BRIS]: Bristol Falls is a 20 foot wide, 15 foot drop into a deep pool. This wide waterfall spills into a deep channel approximately 75 yards long with many jumping spots. PHOTO1 The large overhang provides ample space for you and a large group of your friends to explore the area behind the waterfall PHOTO2 . Getting behind the falls is trickier than you would think as the current is strong and the rocks are very slippery. The ledge to the north of the pool creates an impressive overhang that is worth exploring too. You can climb up into the small rock crevices that overlook the water. This is an extremely popular swimming area and you could find a few hundred people here on a hot summer day. Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:44.12790   Lon:-73.04982 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact                           Link to Google Map

CIRCLE CURRENT [CIRC]: Circle Current is irresistible. Sun drenched deep pools for swimming, Jacuzzis for soaking, natural waterslides, large flat rocks for sunning yourself, a small sandy beach - this place has it all. The area is very large so it can accommodate a large number of visitors. There is lot's to do and explore here, so plan to spend several hours. This is one of my all time favorite places to visit, so you just might run into me if you visit. Even if you don't go in the water, you will enjoy Circle Current! PHOTO1  PHOTO2 PHOTO3  PHOTO4  PHOTO5 Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat: 44.12446 Lon: -73.03863 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact    Link to Google Map

From Bristol follow Route 116/17 eastward from the center of Bristol for approximately 2 miles. Take a right onto Lincoln Gap Road. Keep driving and listen for the roar of the falls. Parking for Bristol Falls is first, a little further up the road you will see numerous pull offs for Circle Current. The New Haven River marks the northern boundary of the Green Mountain National Forest

Link to Google Map

Falls tumble through gorge and end in pool at bottom. Train track crosses high above pool. Some graffiti and litter throughout the gorge. Be careful of currents and submerged objects in the water!

From Brattleboro, take I-91 north to Rockingham. From Rockingham, take the Brockway's Mills Road off RT 103. Park just before the bridge in the small, dirt parking area near the train tracks. Gorge can be seen from road. Walk down path through woods.

Two swimming areas in Lake Champlain in or near Burlington.

RED ROCKS [REDR] Popular beach on Lake Champlain, both clothed and nude area. Clothed area is near parking lot, nude area is down a trail near the overlook-take a trail from the overlook down to large, flat rocks at the water edge- no beach here. (NOTE: The rocks below the waterline have become encrusted with sharp zebra muscles, an invasive species not native to Lake Champlain. All visitors should be advised to wear thick-soled shoes before entering the water.) Confident. Not verified. Lat:44.44121  Lon: -73.22120  Source: MapPoint  Accuracy: Exact  Link to Google Map

STARR FARM BEACH [STAR] Beach on Lake Champlain just north of Burlington. Drive north on North Avenue. Stay on North Avenue past the Y-intersection with Plattsburg Avenue and take the second left onto Starr Farm Road. Drive 1/2  mile and park in the parking area on right across from Pleasant  Avenue.  Walk the bike path north to the stairs to the beach. Go down the stairs and walk north on the beach a very short distance past the  overhanging trees and over some large rocks which are easy to negotiate. The large beach area is just past these trees. It is the only spot on the beach that is raked and clean. Confident. Not verified. PHOTO1  PHOTO2 Lat : 44.515963  Lon: -73.268981 Source : Measured Accuracy : Exact   Link to Google Map

Link to Google Map

Outstanding scenic area and water play site! At least 3 falls, with chutes and pools galore. Walk between falls. Very large, deep pools at bottom of 2 of these falls.

These falls and swimming places are now preserved for all thanks to the Vermont River Conservancy, which bought them from their owner recently. VERMONT RIVER CONSERVANCY Please support the VRC!

There is some nude swimming/sunbathing here. It is suggested that if you wish to go nude, please go down to the third (lowest) pool so that families can use the upper pools more freely. Thanks.

From Ludlow, go about 5 mi west on RT 103. Just past where RT 100 goes north, turn right at street sign "Buttermilk Falls Rd" (VFW hall is on right.) Go to the end of this road and park. You can walk to all falls from here. Take path off right side of road to falls.

Link to Google Map

The Black River spills over a dam, then meanders through a rugged, little explored gorge. Secluded and unpopular, there is a great deal of very exciting exploration and swimming to be had here.  We were somewhat hesitant to enter the water as it seemed a little dark and murky. Not the best swimming hole you will ever visit, but not the worst either. Be very careful entering the steep gorge.

From Ludlow, follow Rte 103 east for approximately 3 miles to Rte 131 east through Proctorsville and Cavendish.  Approximately 0.4 miles past Cavendish, watch on the right side of Rte 131 for a small waste water treatment facility near or beside a small, moderately well maintained dirt road labeled CVPS road.  Turn right onto CVPS Rd and follow to a small parking area on the left.  There is a gate (usually locked) at the entrance to the power plant., but if found unlocked, do NOT be tempted to park inside the gate.  walk past the gate, (be respectful now since you are on power plant property) past the power plant, and follow a grassy path up hill and up river.  To your left will be the gorge, although views from the rim will only occasionally reveal much of the gorge below.  Continue approximately 0.4 miles upstream almost all the way to the dam, and find natural breaks in the gorge wall to enter into the gorge.   

High cliffs and a deep pool with a rope swing. Popular local swimming hole, lots of parties resulting in some litter. Quieter, more isolated swimming places can be reached by walking along the road along the river.

CLARENDON GORGE [CLAR]: From Rutland, take RT 7 south. After passing the intersection for RT 103 (Rutland Airport), take your next left onto RT 7B. The road immediately forks here; left is RT 7B, straight is River Road. The parking area will be on the right near the large concrete blocks.  This section of the river is clothing customary; many families will be found here in the river on a hot summer day in sight of the northbound RT 7 travelers. PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat: 43.51633 Lon: -72.96461 Source: Measured  Accuracy: Exact                                                                                                     Link to Google Map

DEVIL'S GORGE [DEVL]: The safest way to reach the Devil's Gorge is to hike and swim upstream from the Clarendon Gorge swimming area described above. It is a reasonably long trek to the falls at the top of the gorge, but you'll be rewarded by one of the most interesting swimming holes in VT. The Devil's Gorge is a very narrow, dark channel that leads upstream to a uniquely shaped boulder. The channel continues upstream for about another 100 feet past this rock. This section of the river is extremely private and therefore, probably clothing optional. Very eerie! PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat: 43.51602 Lon: -72.96540 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact                                                                            Link to Google Map
 

SWINGING BRIDGE [SWIN]: From Rutland, take RT 7 south. Take a left onto RT 103. Following RT 103 for approximately 2.5 miles, you will come to a large parking area on the right just before you cross the railroad tracks. This is used as an access point to the Long Trail. Park here and follow the well worn path to the suspension bridge. PHOTO 1 After crossing the bridge, take the path to the left, leading down to the river. Follow the river under the bridge to the swimming areas downstream. PHOTO 2 This area is sometimes clothing optional as Long Train hikers use this as a place to bathe. Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat: 43.51993 Lon: -72.92620 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact                                                                    Link to Google Map

Link to Google Map

From the intersection of RT 4 and RT 7 in the center of Rutland, follow US 7 north for approximately 5.25 miles and take a right onto Sangamon Hill Road. Follow this road until it ends, then take a left on East Pittsford Road. This road becomes Main Street just past the left turn off for Powerhouse Road. Staying on Main Street, you will enter the center of Chittenden. Mountain Top Road will lead off to the left. Stay straight and this road is now Chittenden Dam Road. Follow the road about 2 miles until you see a sign and road for the boat ramp on the right side, at this point you will be at the foot of the concrete spillway. Turn right up the boat launch road to the parking area at the dam.

The trail to Congdon�s Point begins about a tenth of a mile or so behind the bar gate to the right at the top of the boat ramp.  The trail goes left from this old woods road, passes two coves and a large boulder.  Keep the water in sight, as the trail may be a little confusing north of the boulder.  Congdon�s Point is the third and outermost point from the boat ramp.  Nude swimmers and sunbathers have been enjoying this spot for years.      

Link to Google Map

A recent visitor writes "The river is wide here. It moves slowly and is deep. Clothed people  stay very  near the place where the path opens to the river. Unclothed people go  to the  right, or to the left. There is probably 50 yards of riverfront from  which you  can swim. This is a well-established nude swimming area at least from the 1960's and maybe much older. The clothed people are completely expecting that there will be nude people and are very tolerant. They would not be there if  nudity offended them. Still it is polite to give them a little space. What is great about this place is that there is plenty of space. The river is wide and there is a deep channel. Unclothed or clothed, you can swim down river for at least �  mile. You can swim up river and play around in the rapids. There is an old rail roadbed on the other side. You can climb up on to the trail and walk for a mile or more unclothed. Mountain bikers will be the only people you see and they won't care. There is plenty of sun and the water warms up to a very tolerable temperature for spending a lot of time wet."

Heading north from Brattleboro on RT 30, about 1 mile out of town you pass under the interstate bridge across the West River. About 1 mile ahead on the right is a group of buildings including a professional center, a telephone company storage area and Tom and Sally's Chocolate factory. Park in Tom and Sally's parking lot away from their front door. You want to save front door parking for their patrons (buy some candy, it's great). Walk past their front door and take a hard left. There is a path past a gate. The gate does not block foot traffic only vehicles. Everyone uses it. Follow the path until you enter a hay field then take a left and follow the path to the West River. Total walking time 2 to 3 minutes.

Link to Google Map

There is a terrific hole that is hidden down a very steep embankment on the right hand side heading south on Rte 12. The swimming area has a large, shallow area on one side. There is also a water chute that starts from a Jacuzzi-for-two that varies from 5 to 8 feet deep depending on season and water level, and pours you out into the swimming hole. Side rock cliff for jumping is about 20 feet into deep, deep water.

From Montpelier, take RT 12 south to West Berlin. From West Berlin, continue on RT 12 south along Dog River There is no parking available there, best bet is to go about a quarter mile south, by the railroad track crossing (just before getting to Ellie's Farm Market on the left.) Walk back north along the tracks, cross the trestle way up over the river (it has boards and a railing), and watch for a narrow footpath on the right. You'll see a large, shallow area on the right from the trestle.

Link to Google Map

Beautiful old marble quarry filled with fresh, clean water. Lots of cliffs to jump from. There can be over 100 people here in on a hot summer day, but Dorset Quarry is big enough to handle a large crowd. Very popular and well-known local swimming place. This is a must see if you are anywhere near the area. You WILL have fun here. There are a few, very interesting sculptures carved into the marble. PHOTO4 See how many you can find. I found three.

From Manchester, on RT 7 in south western VT, take RT 30 northwest. The quarry is on RT 30 on the right as you are going into Dorset at the intersection with Kelly Road (dirt). Do not park on RT 30, rather, pull onto Kelly Road heading north and park on the left side of the road. There is room for many cars here.

From Brattleboro, take RT 30 north. All directions below are from RT 30:

STICKNEY BROOK [STIK]: After passing under the I-91 bridge, travel 3.7 miles and take a left onto to Bear Hill Road. The traffic on this section of RT 30 moves along at 50-60 mph, so you may miss the turn. Look for Upper Dummerston Road entering from the left. Bear Hill Road will be a short distance after this intersection with Upper Dummerston Road. Follow Bear Hill Road uphill for approximately 0.25 miles to the small parking area on the right. Stickney Brook does not offer any deepwater swimming. It does offer beautiful, clear water that slides over flat tables of rock and gurgles through narrow sluiceways. Very interesting and fun to explore. PHOTO1   PHOTO2   PHOTO3  Very Confident. Verified 08/2006  Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:42.91469   Lon:-72.61511 Source: Measured Accuracy: Exact                                             Link to Google Map

WEST RIVER 1 [WES1]: Take RT 30 a short distance from Brattleboro to the West Dummerston area. In West Dummerston, where the historic Town Lattice covered bridge crosses the West River, there are deep swimming places under the bridge. A gravel beach and pretty strong current but apparently safe as families swim there. You will see the covered bridge as it adjoins RT 30 on the right and the swimming place is under it. Park on right just past bridge in large pull out area. PHOTO Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:42.92795   Lon:-72.61168 Source: MapPoint Accuracy: General Area                                                Link to Google Map

WEST RIVER 2 [WES2]: A bit further on RT 30 (at the next bridge you cross after the West Dummerston hole) park on the right before you cross this bridge and walk down beside the bridge to a large rock and small, deep swimming place by the rock. Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:42.94798   Lon:-72.64087 Source: MapPoint Accuracy: Exact  Link to Google Map

INDIAN LOVE CALL [INLC]: Continue on RT 30 north. Just before you cross the bridge over the Rock River, you will see parking areas on RT 30. Walk up Williamsville Rd and take the first right leading past a few cabins. Follow the well worn path along the river to the swimming area. Popular. PHOTO Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:42.94642  Lon:-72.64497 Source: MapPoint Accuracy: Exact                                            Link to Google Map

WILLIAMSVILLE [WILL]: Continue on this road to the town of Williamsville. The swimming hole is in the Rock River in Williamsville, under a concrete arch bridge, and is popular with families with children. Long rock to spread blankets on, Water is deep enough to dive in places. Smooth rock in pool can be slid down. Parking is deliberately difficult to discourage crowds. Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:42.94567   Lon:-72.68173 Source: MapPoint Accuracy: General Area  Link to Google Map

Link to Google Map

A narrow gorge located directly below the RT 125 bridge provides cold water and lots of excitement. The arch that spans the width of the pool lends a unique feel to this swimming hole and shades the main swimming area most of the day. The ledges on the north side of the pool provide increasingly higher spots to jump into the pool. The heights range from 6 inches to about 12 feet. Find the level you are comfortable with and try to go one higher!

From Middlebury, follow RT 7 south from the center of Middlebury for approximately 4 miles. Bear left onto RT 125. Follow Route 125 approximately 1.5 miles to a sharp right turn onto the bridge that crosses the Middlebury River. Cross the bridge and park on the right. To reach the swimming area, walk back over the bridge and follow the path to the left down beneath the bridge.

Link to Google Map

Two or more swimming places in the Saxon River near North Westminster - one called Eddy and another Little Egypt and maybe more. Be very careful here, strong currents here can be dangerous. It is a good sized pool, about a 12-13 foot full drop, not a ledge style waterfall. Very good brown trout fishing too, from the Connecticut River to the waterfall.

Take I91 North or South to exit 5 (Westminster/Bellows Falls). Follow route 5 North into Bellows Falls. At the first traffic light on the edge of Bellows Falls, take a left onto route 121 and go up the hill. Follow this road for approximately 2 miles and then on the left of the road as the road curves to the right will appear two industrial buildings in Gageville or north Westminster. Immediately before them is a dirt road which goes down to the river; take this road. Follow the road downhill, stay to the right at the bottom of the hill and proceed slightly uphill for roughly half a mile.  The waterfall is on the left of the road. Not a huge amount of parking.

Link to Google Map

The Falls of Lana are difficult to find, difficult to access and the swimming are is very small, but don't let this discourage you from visiting this very unique and special place. It took several attempts to actually get to the swimming area and it was well worth the effort. The four tiered falls are beautiful and the view from the deepwater swimming hole across Lake Dunmore is stunning. Be very careful though as there is no obvious path down to the swimming area and it will require a bit of bushwhacking to get down the hill while traversing areas of very loose footing. Hiking boots are a must. Nearby Branbury State Park is also worth a visit to swim in Lake Dunmore.

From Middlebury, follow RT 7 south approximately 7 miles to the intersection with RT 53. Take a left on RT 53 and follow it around Lake Dunmore. In approximately 3.25 miles you will reach Branbury State park on your right. Just past the state park you'll see a large parking area on your left for the Falls of Lana. Park here and follow the well worn path uphill. The terrain will eventually level out and you will pass under a very large pipe that crosses the path. Just past the pipe, follow the un-obvious path to the left and make your way steeply downhill following the sound of the water. Challenging! If you cross the brook on the main path upstream of the falls, you have gone too far to reach the swimming area, however, you will be able to descend the opposite side of Sucker Brook to view the upper falls, but you will not be able to reach the swimming area.

From Woodstock, take RT 106 south to Felchville. Take Tyson Road west (right turn) off RT 106 at the Reading General Store. This road parallels the North Branch Black River. Locations are:

TWENTY FOOT HOLE [TWEN]: About a mile from Felchville, at the crest of a small hill, you can park along both sides of the road. A trail on the south side of the road - a bit steep- leads to three blue-green pools. The first, called Twenty-Foot Hole, is usually for clothed people. A small but lush and shady place where waterfall cascades into small, deep pools. A rock ledge forms caves which you can follow to the bottom. Go downstream to Fifteen-Foot Pool, the first of two clothing optional sites, the second clothing optional pool is a little further still (Ten -Foot Pool). There are many good jumping ledges into all three pools. Fifteen foot pool is a beautiful, sunny pool with a nice rope swing on the far side. PHOTO 1  PHOTO 2  PHOTO3 Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:43.46877   Lon:-72.56406   Source : Measured  Accuracy : Exact  Link to Google Map

This swimming place is now preserved for all thanks to the Vermont River Conservancy. VERMONT RIVER CONSERVANCY Please support the VRC!

READING HOLE [READ]: There are other swimming places along this road, one is called the Reading Hole. No better directions to it. Lat/Lon [W84/N83] Lat:43.46877   Lon:-72.56406 Source: MapPoint   Accuracy: Approximate Link to Google Map

Link to Google Map

Link to Google Map

A popular local swimming hole near Jay and Troy in extreme northern Vermont. Got its name from the Four Corners store nearby. A beautiful, large oblong swimming hole approximately 30 yards in diameter. The entire pool is surrounded by a high rock ledge providing ample places to jump into the deep pool. There is a terrifying rope swing on a tree perched on the top of the far ledge.

From Stowe, take RT 100 north about 35 miles to Lowell. (See also "Trout River Falls" near here.) In Lowell continue north on RT 100 through Westfield to Troy. In Troy, take RT 101 north. On RT 101, less than a mile after you pass the intersection of RT 101 and RT 242, is the Jay Four Corners convenience store. The swimming hole is directly across the street from the Jay Four Corners convenience store. There is a large dirt parking lot, you can't miss it.