The Best Swimming Holes in Vermont

While Vermont is generally known for maple syrup and cheese, tons of swimming holes in Vermont are fantastic days out. Vermont offers mesmerizing landscapes, including hiking trails and fishing spots. It is a state for all seasons and offers many activities tourists can enjoy. For us, Vermont’s swimming holes are a major attraction.  

The best part? It is one of the least populous states, allowing you to escape the crowds and enjoy your vacation in peace. Besides fishing and kayaking, you can also take a dip in the water hole to cool off. Some of these swimming holes in Vermont include:

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Bingham Falls, Stowe

North of Stowe Village, Bingham Falls is spectacular. Multiple falls are creating several swimming holes and cascades. As the gorge is very narrow, the sound of the water intensifies, which is suitable for a change, especially when you are tired of listening to traffic noise.

The spot is excellent for both kids and adults alike. Pools with varying depths invite everyone to take a swim. The deepest pool at the falls is about 30ft, and for kids, you would find several shallow pools in the area. Water quality is clean as it flows, and the site is also well-maintained. The landscape around the pool is green, offers a peaceful vibe, and looks brilliant in photos.

Bolton Potholes, Bolton – My Personal Favorite Of The Swimming Holes in Vermont

The Bolton Potholes are a local favorite. My friends who grew up in Vermont shared these with us. This is an off-the-beaten-track place to hang out, and it’s completely free.

Bolton Potholes are located on the Joiner Brook River at Bolton, VT. A conservatory runs the facility and keeps it pretty well maintained. Tourists have plenty of spots to swim in the lush, green, mountainous landscape. Some of the holes are narrow and circular-shaped, like potholes, hence the name. Depth is also different, but no hole is too deep to threaten tourists.

The spot remains open to the public year-round. And the best part? The conservatory body has put no entry fee. Tourists can enjoy cliff jumping from a high cliff and soak up the sun at the shores of the potholes. Rocky surroundings also make an excellent picnic spot. The destination is popular, so expect to see other tourists around you.

Bristol Falls, Bristol

Bristol Falls, also known as Bartlett Falls, is a 14-foot waterfall located in the middle of the woods, surrounded by rocks that make for a breathtaking landscape. The waterfall drops into a swimming hole situated on Bristol’s New Haven River. Spot’s beauty increases as the sunshine gets more crowded.

Visitors can enjoy cliff jumping, a casual swim in the hole, or even organize a picnic at the rocks. A little away from the central pit, a shallow-water pool is also present where young kids can enjoy themselves. Parking is available nearby, but you will have to walk some distance. So, arrive early, find a sunny spot for families, and wear appropriate footwear.

Salmon Hole, Jamaica State Park

Located at the end of the west river, Jamaica State Park is about a mile and a half away from downtown. One of Vermont’s most prominent waterfalls is located about three miles upstream and is accessible by hiking. The park is developed by the authority and even provides tents for tourists who want to stay. Picnic shelter and nature center are also available next to the water hole and picnic areas.

While tourists can enjoy swimming in holes, swimming in the river is not advised due to the fast current. Twelve deaths have been reported of the tourist that went against the advisory. The park’s landscape is surrounded by woods, providing visitors with an escape into nature. It remains pretty uncrowded year-round, which can be great for families looking for a peaceful vacation.

Pike Falls, Jamaica State Park

Pike Falls is also located within Jamaica State Park and is an excellent place for kids to enjoy. The falls are 10 feet of inclined rocks that make a natural slide. Kids can slide down into the shallow water, which brings lots of giggles to their faces. Water quality is relatively clean, and the area is surrounded by trees.

The shore is filled with pebbles, which look great in the picture. But appropriate footwear is a must as you have to hike to the hole, and the shore can also be pretty slippery. Best part? You can have the entire place to yourself, as not many tourists visit the water hole.

Warren Falls, Waitsfield

Warren Falls is a spot popular with both locals and tourists. Located on the Mad River, it is one of the most beautiful landscapes. Two waterfalls, about 7-8 feet tall, fall into the hole, neither too shallow nor too deep. And because of this ideal depth, it is one of the best swimming holes in VT. Tourists can even get close to the falls without risking any danger. Water quality is immaculate and cold, making it ideal for cooling off after a long hike in the summer.

Besides swimming and fishing at nearby rivers, tourists can also organize picnics at the spot. You can also interact with other visiting families and play fun games to make the day worthwhile.

Marble Street Quarry, Rutland

Marble Street is not a natural swimming hole but rather an abandoned quarry filled with water. Nonetheless, this 90ft deep water hole is a great place to hang out for picnics and take pictures. The spot is prevalent among scuba divers because of its depth. But you can also take a calming soak in the sun while looking at the surrounding trees. It also remains uncrowded, which is excellent for people looking to escape from the hustle and bustle.

That said, adequate precautions are a must, even if you are an expert swimmer. Jump in the water only if you wear life vests; otherwise, it is simply too dangerous.

Four Corner Falls, Jay Branch Gorge

Situated on Jay Brach, Four Corners Falls is a stunning Vermont swimming hole. The waterfalls are about 12 feet high, and shedding intensity is medium to high, depending on the season. The area is accessible via an easy-to-moderate hiking trail. You can enjoy swimming in the cold water and partake in cliff jumping. But do not jump from every cliff that you see. There are rocks underwater that may cause injury.

Hence, ask the other tourists about the safe spots for that activity. Besides that, the landscape is filled with free lush green trees, which make a stunning background in the photos. Water is running, so it is as clean as it gets.

With that said, you can only visit the spot between May and Oct. Be mindful of that while planning a trip to these Vermont swimming holes.

Timber Crib Dam, Guilford

Timber Crib Dam is located on the Green River and was built back in 1800. After the flood damage, it was rebuilt in 1998. The spot offers stunning views, and since the surrounding forest is not too dense, decent sunlight reaches the area. It keeps the water temperature to an optimal level. Visitors can swim, fish, and enjoy a picnic at Timber Dam.

Cliff Jumping is also possible, but it is not as thrilling as the height of the walls is not that high. Nonetheless, it is an excellent place to spend a weekend with friends and family and take social media photos.

Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow

Buttermilk is a stunning waterfall near Ludlow, accessible only by hiking. The hiking trail is easy, even for beginners, and is just a few minutes long. The waterfall itself is not that big, but it is beautiful nonetheless. The overall environment is peaceful and relaxing. You can take a swim in the swimming holes and calm yourself.

Families can also organize a picnic near the falls and spend the day with fun activities. Water quality is clear and clean. A parking facility is also available at the start of the hiking trail.

Three Holes, Montgomery

Located at Trout River, Montgomery, Three Holes is unique in the lush green forest. It was named because of the three waterfalls that cascade into three pools. The spot remains uncrowded and is an excellent place to spend private time with friends and family.

Gibou Road Hole, Hectorville

Gibou Hole is a tranquil swimming pool that is shallow but long, leading to an underwater cliff, then a narrow channel and waterfall. You would likely have the entire place to yourself, as not many tourists know about it. The hole is approximately 3 miles away from the city center but accessible only via 4-wheel drive.

Jeff Falls, Jeffersonville

Nothing beats the satisfaction of a warm water bath after a hike, and Jeff Falls provides you with precisely that. Located on the Brewster River, there is a ton to explore at Jeff Falls. The main pool is surprisingly deep, and the sun shines directly on the east beach in the evening. Besides the main 7-foot fall, there are plenty of smaller waterfalls.

Terrill Gorge, Morrisville

Terrill Gorge is a small but beautiful waterfall famous amongst locals and tourists. Its popularity is partly because there are only a few waterfalls in the area, most inaccessible. The fall is about 5 feet tall, but 10 feet in width certainly adds charm. The pool depth is also decent, about 10-15 feet, and it’s filled with cold water. Cliff jumping is famous, but it is not recommended due to the underwater terrain and the relatively shallow pool depth.

Lareau Hole, Waitsfield

Lareau Hole is a great place to hang out with families with young kids, as it caters to both adults and kids. Kids can learn to tread water at the shallow shore, while the adults can dive into a 12-foot-deep hole surrounded by boulders. The place also has a sandy bank and grassy area, making it a brilliant picnic spot.

Dorset Quarry, Dorset – Dorset Marble Park

It is an abandoned marble quarry filled with water and converted into a park by the authorities. The area is a hotspot for picnics amongst locals, and cliff jumping is also very popular. The site is covered with thick forest, making an incredible landscape. At the banks of the hole, tourists can soak up the sun after diving into deep water. 

Dog River, West Berlin

Dog River is a designated picnic site in West Berlin. It is often termed a “Jacuzzi” swimming hole because of the large pool over an exciting mix of bedrock. The hardwood and hemlocks surround the area, and the collection itself is below a natural amphitheater with a bench and picnic table overlooking the river. Trout is abundant in the area, so expect to see a lot of anglers around you. 

No Name Hole, Arlington

This spot is not exactly a swimming pool, but a fun place to hang out and take photos. As the water is shallow, kids can take a dip, but adults can only immerse themselves in nature while getting their feet dipped into the water. Surrounded by green vegetation and the sound of water, you connect with nature. Since there aren’t many tourists in the area, you and your loved ones can have the entire place to yourselves.

Where To Stay In Vermont

We stayed at our timeshare in Stowe, Vermont, and drove over. Yes, we have a timeshare that we use all over the world!

The timeshare we stayed in had three bedrooms, two baths, two stories, and a private sauna! Not too shabby….

Think we are nuts? Not really; I paid $207 for it on eBay!If you do not have a timeshare, you can stay at any of these hotels in Vermont and access all of the swimming holes in Vermont:

Closing Thoughts

There is no better way to cool down than taking a dip in nature-made swimming holes. You would find a number of these holes while trekking and exploring Vermont. The swimming holes in Vermont are not just a source to cool down but also an opportunity to experience nature at its closest. So, if you are planning to visit Vermont, do not forget to put Vermont swimming holes on the itinerary.  

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