If You Didn’t Know About These 11 Swimming Holes In Vermont, You’ve Been Missing Out
Vermont swimming holes are a popular pastime when the weather starts to warm up, and luckily for us, the Green Mountain State has plenty of places to make a splash in this summer. Grab your swimsuit and don’t forget your sunscreen, these swimming holes are sure to become your favorite destination this summer.
To get to Bingham Falls, you'll need to hike one mile down a fairly steep trail, but you'll be rewarded when you see the stunning 30-foot waterfall. People have slipped, so be careful - strong swimmers only!
Be careful hiking down a steep embankment to get to this gem of a hole. Whether you like large, shallow pools or if you’re looking to check out the two-person Jacuzzi spot, you’ll love the water chute that varies from five to eight feet (depending on the season) which pours you into the swimming hole. For the more adventurous, there is a side rock cliff for jumping that is about 20 feet into deep water.
There’s nothing like swimming around a natural waterfall, and the Bristol Falls drop into a long, deep channel with many different jumping spots along the way. Check this place out and you’ll see why it’s so popular with the locals.
Three falls in separate areas create a mecca of pools and areas to relax and swim the day away. The Buttermilk Falls and swimming areas are now preserved thanks to the Vermont River Conservancy.
This is a great swimming hole that’s a little off the beaten path. Check out where the Black River spills over a dam and goes through this rugged and secluded gorge. There is loads to explore here with plenty of privacy. Please use caution when entering the gorge.
You'll have to work to reap the rewards of this sweet spot. After a hike and a swim upstream from Clarendon's Gorge (a relatively long trek) you'll be rewarded with this private spot.
7. Warren Falls, Waitsfield
Warren Falls, 3919 Vermont Rte 100, Warren, VT 05674, USA
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings while relaxing in this abandoned quarry in Rutland. If the calming waters of this quarry entice you, consider heading up to the Darby Quarry, one of the largest attractions in Vermont.
Pikes Falls is a great place for the entire family to enjoy. The entire swimming hole is about 25 feet long and 40 feet wide, with a depth of about 10 feet.
11. Kenneth Ward Memorial Access Area, Moretown
Kenneth Ward Park, 4806 VT-100B, Middlesex, VT 05602, USA
There is a lot to explore in this area which has the warmest water in the Mad River (don't get us wrong - it's still cold!). Easy parking and access makes this a fun destination or a place to stretch your legs.
For the more daring, check out cliff jumping in Vermont. If you’d rather play it safe, here are some awe inspiring waterfalls hiding in plain sight. Have you ever visited any of these swimming holes? Shout out your favorite in the comments below!
Address: Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
Address: Cavendish Gorge, Cavendish, VT 05142, USA
Address: Clarendon, VT, USA
Address: Dog River, Vermont, USA
Address: East Middlebury, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
Address: Pikes Falls, Jamaica, VT 05343, USA
Address: Warren Falls, 3919 Vermont Rte 100, Warren, VT 05674, USA
Address: Kenneth Ward Park, 4806 VT-100B, Middlesex, VT 05602, USA
Address: Marble Street Quarry, 2703-2135 Marble St, West Rutland, VT 05777, USA
Address: Bingham Falls, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Address: Bristol, VT 05443, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
vermont swimming holes
May 12, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the best waterparks in Vermont?
Vermont has several waterparks that are great options for a family-friendly adventure. One of the most unique waterparks in Vermont is Pump House, Vermont’s only indoor waterpark. Perfect for rainy days, this epic water park even has a retractable roof to let the sunshine in on warm weather days.
What are the most beautiful beaches in Vermont?
You might be surprised to learn that Vermont is home to several beautiful beaches, despite being a land-locked state. Vermont’s largest body of water, Lake Champlain has miles of beautiful beaches that are popular during the summer months. For a more secluded beach day, consider one of Vermont’s state parks like Maidstone State Park, Burton Island State Park, or Waterbury Center State Park. Each of these state parks features little stretches of white sand to sink your toes into.
What are the top trails in Vermont to add to my bucket list?
Camel’s Hump Trail in Camel’s Hump State Park is one of the most popular hiking trails in Vermont, and for good reason. The trail clocks in at about six miles, and it ascends to the third highest peak in the state, offering some of the most incredible mountain views you’ve ever seen. Consider the two-mile long waterfront Sterling Pond Trail located within Smugglers’ Notch State Park for a short and sweet hike.
Address: Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
Address: Cavendish Gorge, Cavendish, VT 05142, USA
Address: Clarendon, VT, USA
Address: Dog River, Vermont, USA
Address: East Middlebury, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
Address: Pikes Falls, Jamaica, VT 05343, USA
Address: Warren Falls, 3919 Vermont Rte 100, Warren, VT 05674, USA
Address: Kenneth Ward Park, 4806 VT-100B, Middlesex, VT 05602, USA
Address: Marble Street Quarry, 2703-2135 Marble St, West Rutland, VT 05777, USA
Address: Bingham Falls, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Address: Bristol, VT 05443, USA
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