Vermont is abundant with mesmerizing landscapes that include biking and hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes, and fishing spots. Swimming holes are one of the major attractions in Vermont and a trip to the Green Mountain State is not complete without taking a dip in a water hole. Vermonters have been blessed with some beautiful spots for swimming during the summer. The best part about the swimming holes in Vermont is that each one is unique and has something special to offer. Whether you are looking to hike to a 20 foot plunge or lounge on warm rocks along the emerald green water, we have you covered. Here is a round up of Vermont’s best swimming holes with tips and advice from Vermont locals.
Remember to take care exploring Vermont’s swimming holes. The water depth varies throughout the season depending on rainfall and the rocks can be slippery. Always check depths and warnings before cliff jumping and understand the risk. Some swimming holes are not family or kid friendly so be sure to do your research first. Enjoy all the adventure that awaits you in Vermont’s crystal clear, refreshing swimming holes!
If you’re headed to Woodstock, VT make sure you check out The Woodstock Guide.
20 Best Swimming Holes in Vermont
Bingham Falls
Bingham Falls in Stowe, Vermont is a great pick for the adventurous type. Located within Mt. Mansfield State Forest. To access the falls you must park along route 108 and hike a half mile. Featuring a 40 foot waterfall and refreshing, crystal clear water, pools and gorges, Bingham Falls won’t disappoint. Take care descending the steep steps leading to the bottom of the falls and the trails are dog friendly on leash.
Bolton Potholes
Also known as “The Devils Potholes” the Bolton Potholes is a great swimming hole adventure for the whole family. Whether you are looking to sunbathe on the rocks or take an easy dip or swim in one of the round pools or “potholes” these emerald green waters are your perfect Vermont oasis this summer in Bolton.
The Dorset Marble Quarry
The Dorset Marble Quarry, located in Dorset, VT is the first marble quarry in the United States. This beautiful swimming hole is surrounded by large marble, and crystal clear, refreshingly cold water. This local swimming spot has both marble and grassy areas for lounging and cliff jumping for thrill seekers!
Four Corners Falls
Four Corners Falls or Jay Branch Gorge in Troy, Vermont features a large plunging waterfall with a deep pool for swimming. Known as one of the Vermont’s premier swimming holes, Jay Branch Gorge has a rope swing and 15-foot jumping ledge. Proceed with caution!
Timber Crib Dam
Located on the Green River in Guilford, Vermont, Timber Crib Dam is about 20 minutes from Brattleboro off Green River Road. This dam built in 1811 features an opening where you can step between the dam and waterfall as well as many deep pools and cliff jumping options.
Warren Falls
Warren Falls in Warren, Vermont is a cliff jumpers heaven featuring 10-40 foot ledges with plunges into gorgeous crystal clear emerald water. Known for being a safe cliff jumping spot (although always use caution when jumping) Warren Falls is a Vermonter favorite.
Pikes Falls
Pikes Falls in Jamaica, Vermont is a perfect kid friendly adventure swimming hole. If you choose Pikes you will see kids sliding down a 10 foot long rock slide. Pikes Falls has a rocky beach great for picnicking or relaxing and a large olive green tinted pool for swimming. One of the best things about Pikes is it’s not usually crowded so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the masses.
Gaysville on the White River
A local shared Gaysville is “arguably the sunniest and most relaxing with lots of jumping spots — epic!”
Woodstock Local Swimming Holes
Ottauquechee River
The Ottauquechee River is the gorgeous, crystal clear river that runs through the Woodstock village offering several spots throughout town for water access. Behind the Little Theater and Woodstock Recreation center is a sandy beach area that is very kid friendly and a popular spot for locals. Behind the Woodstock History Center in the village is another popular rocky entry point with a beautiful river view of the covered bridge and options for shallow swimming depending on the season and rainfall. Under the iron bridge on Elm Street is a steeper entry point, not kid friendly. This rocky area has a small falls and fast moving water with lots of rocks for sunbathing and lounging.
Quechee Gorge
Known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon” and located underneath one of Vermont’s idyllic covered bridges at Simon Pearce in Quechee, Vermont, The Quechee Gorge features a large waterfall and a range of cliff jumps from 10 to 35 feet. If you would like your heart to skip a beat watch as adrenaline junkies jump from the bridge into the gorge. This fast moving river is for more experienced swimmers and thrill seekers.
Ottauquechee River Rope Swing
The Ottauquechee River rope swing located on River Road in Taftsville, Vermont just before the Taftsville Covered Bridge has been a long time favorite spot for locals. You can take a turn on the rope swing or descend down the rocky bank into the wide opening of the Ottauquechee River. The river depth and speed changes throughout the year so take caution jumping. Overall the river is quite calm and peaceful at this entry point. A nice place to swim and cool off on a warm summer day!
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is one of our favorite local swimming holes. Located in Ludlow, Vermont off of route 103, Buttermilk Falls features 2 falls and gorgeous olive green water with deep pools for swimming and sitting on hot summer days. Cliff jumping is optional depending on the season and water depth.
Kedron Pond
The Kedron Pond in South Woodstock, Vermont is located about 10 minutes outside of Woodstock at the Kedron Valley Inn. This pond has a beach, shallow swimming area and dock. There are shady grass areas to set up blankets and chairs and it is very kid friendly. Children enjoy catching crawfish, turtles and building sand castles on the beach. Daily passes can be purchased at the South Woodstock Store– a lovely little Vermont general store that also has delicious sandwiches.
Silver Lake
Silver Lake State Park in Barnard, Vermont is a beautiful park popular for its sandy beach, dock, shallow swimming area, playground, grassy picnic areas and options for kayaking, canoeing and paddle boats. You can enjoy free water access alternate to the Barnard General Store, which is a great option for sandwiches and ice cream, or pay to enter the park in order to access the sandy beach and rental options.
