Here Are 19 Vermont Swimming Holes That Will Make for a Fantastic Summer

Vermonters are looking for ways to cool down during the warm summer months. Lucky for us, Vermont is filled with some pretty awesome swimming holes that are fun, free, and fantastic. This list features the best Vermont swimming holes, so get ready to explore all these refreshing spots to cool off and have fun this summer.

1. No Name Hole, Arlington Area

You’ll love the natural waterfalls with rocks you can slide on into the pools. This is a great place for swimming, with the uppermost pool being the largest, but it’s not deep enough to jump. The rocks have beautiful colors, which you can easily see in the clear water.

2. Benson's Holes, Manchester

The best feature of Benson's Holes, a hidden gem Vermont swimming hole, is perhaps the stunning views of Mount Equinox. While not the most robust hole, you'll enjoy the cool rock formations in this hard-to-find location in Manchester.

3. Bristol Falls, Bristol

There’s nothing like swimming around a natural waterfall, and the Bristol Falls (also known as Bartlett 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, especially on a hot summer day. This is one of those perfect swimming spots in Vermont to add to your summer adventure list.

4. Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow

Three separate falls create a mecca of pools and areas to relax and swim the day away. Buttermilk Falls and its swimming areas are now preserved thanks to the Vermont River Conservancy.

5. Cavendish Gorge, Cavendish

If you’re looking for a 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, and while the water appears murky at times, it’s a trade-off for the privacy. Please use caution when entering the gorge.

6. Devil's Gorge, Clarendon

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. Dog River, West Berlin

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 5-8 feet (depending on the season), which pours you into the swimming hole. For the more adventurous, there is a side rock cliff for jumping into a 20-foot-deep pool. It's a simply marvelous place!

8. Dorset Marble Quarry, Dorset

There are loads of places and heights to jump from at this beautiful marble quarry. You'll quickly see why this spot is a favorite with the locals. If you don't want to brave the jump, see how many of the cool sculptures you can spot. You can register to swim here on the Dorset Quarry website.

9. East Middlebury Gorge, Middlebury

In this narrow and refreshing gorge, you'll find places to cliff jump and swim below the Route 125 bridge. Cliff jumping and swimming in gorges are things to do in summer in Vermont that will always be fun and exciting.

10. Salmon Hole, Jamaica

This is a great spot to check out if you're visiting or camping in one of the many lean-tos in the Jamaica State Park. While relaxing in the lazy pool on the West River, be sure to float on your back and take in the incredible views of Ball Mountain. It's a wonderful family-friendly spot!

11. Pike Falls, Jamaica

You'll love swimming in the large pool at the bottom of the awesome Pike Falls. If you are looking for outdoor activities in Vermont, don't hesitate to try out some of these fun and little-known swimming holes that are so plentiful in our beautiful state.

12. Lareau Swimming Hole, Waitsfield

This well-maintained area is a great spot for the whole family. Crystal clear water and sandy beaches, as well as ample parking and a port-o-let, make this a great place for the little ones. Make the Lareau Swimming Hole a part of your summer adventures this year.

13. Warren Falls, Warren

It is one of the best swimming holes in Vermont, and a favorite among locals. Be sure to watch the locals before you get into the water so that you can be sure you're jumping into a safe area. Take it from the ones who know!

14. Kenneth Ward Memorial Swimming Access, Moretown

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 make this a fun destination or a place to stretch your legs.

15. Waitsfield Covered Bridge, Waitsfield

Vermont has incredible swimming holes and stunning covered bridges. So, how about combining the two and swimming under the Waitsfield Covered Bridge? There's nothing quite like it!

16. Marble Street Quarry, Rutland

Enjoy the beautiful surroundings while relaxing in this abandoned quarry in Rutland.

17. McCormack's Quarry, Rutland

Editor's Note: This swimming hole is located on private property. Do not visit this area unless you have permission to do so.

This secluded, beautiful, and abandoned spot is the place to go if you're looking for peace, quiet, and seclusion. But because it's on private property, you must have permission to use it. Do not trespass!

18. Bingham Falls, Stowe

A steep one-mile descent will lead you to a stunning waterfall with an area for swimming. People have slipped on the rocks, so be careful, and only strong swimmers should attempt this one.

19. Cady Falls, Morrisville

A large opening in a stone wall along the Lamoille River creates a beautiful series of waterfalls and a great place for a dip in Morrisville. I think you should add this to your summer bucket list this year!

Are these destinations your favorite things to do in summer in Vermont? For more exciting swimming holes, how about a road trip to some of Vermont's best swimming holes?