How many swimming holes are in VT?

Our directory lists 45 natural swimming destinations in VT, spanning 4 water types: Rivers (17), Brooks (5), Lakes (4), Falls (3). Of these, 21 (47%) are free to access and 24 require an entry fee or parking pass.

What types of swimming spots does VT have?

VT's 45 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Joes Brook, Varies See Description, Bromley Brook, Joiner Brook, New Haven River.

Which swimming holes in VT are free?

21 of the 45 swimming holes in VT (47%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 24 are in managed areas such as state parks or national forests that charge a day-use or parking fee — typically $5–$10 per vehicle. Always verify current fee information with the managing agency before your visit, as prices change.

Where are the best areas to find swimming holes in VT?

Swimming destinations in VT are clustered around ST. JOHNSBURY, EAST BARNET, DANVILLE, BENNINGTON. 35 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 10 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.

When is the best time to visit swimming holes in VT?

Based on the conditions reported across VT's listed sites, fall tends to offer the best swimming conditions — warm enough water with manageable crowds. Late spring is ideal for waterfall flows; check USGS streamflow data before visiting any river site after rainfall. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.

Are swimming holes in VT safe for families and children?

Safety varies significantly by location. 35 officially managed sites in VT typically have clearer access, signage, and in some cases lifeguard coverage — these are generally the best starting points for families. Unofficial or backcountry swimming holes require more caution: always check water depth before letting children enter, watch for currents — even slow-looking rivers can have strong undertow, and avoid swimming during or after heavy rain. Supervise children closely at all times.

Do I need a permit or reservation to swim in VT?

Most swimming holes in VT do not require advance permits, but some high-traffic locations within national forests and popular state parks have moved to timed-entry reservation systems, especially on summer weekends. 24 sites charge a day-use or parking fee. Check the official website of the land management agency — US Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), BLM (blm.gov), or your state parks authority — for the most current access rules before your trip.

How many swimming holes are in VT?

Our directory lists 45 natural swimming destinations in VT, spanning 4 water types: Rivers (17), Brooks (5), Lakes (4), Falls (3). Of these, 21 (47%) are free to access and 24 require an entry fee or parking pass.

What types of swimming spots does VT have?

VT's 45 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Joes Brook, Varies See Description, Bromley Brook, Joiner Brook, New Haven River.

Which swimming holes in VT are free?

21 of the 45 swimming holes in VT (47%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 24 are in managed areas such as state parks or national forests that charge a day-use or parking fee — typically $5–$10 per vehicle. Always verify current fee information with the managing agency before your visit, as prices change.

Where are the best areas to find swimming holes in VT?

Swimming destinations in VT are clustered around ST. JOHNSBURY, EAST BARNET, DANVILLE, BENNINGTON. 35 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 10 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.

When is the best time to visit swimming holes in VT?

Based on the conditions reported across VT's listed sites, fall tends to offer the best swimming conditions — warm enough water with manageable crowds. Late spring is ideal for waterfall flows; check USGS streamflow data before visiting any river site after rainfall. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.

Are swimming holes in VT safe for families and children?

Safety varies significantly by location. 35 officially managed sites in VT typically have clearer access, signage, and in some cases lifeguard coverage — these are generally the best starting points for families. Unofficial or backcountry swimming holes require more caution: always check water depth before letting children enter, watch for currents — even slow-looking rivers can have strong undertow, and avoid swimming during or after heavy rain. Supervise children closely at all times.

Do I need a permit or reservation to swim in VT?

Most swimming holes in VT do not require advance permits, but some high-traffic locations within national forests and popular state parks have moved to timed-entry reservation systems, especially on summer weekends. 24 sites charge a day-use or parking fee. Check the official website of the land management agency — US Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), BLM (blm.gov), or your state parks authority — for the most current access rules before your trip.

Swimming Holes in VT

Discover 45 amazing natural swimming destinations across VT. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

Swimming Holes

Types

Free Access

Fee Required

45 locations found

Brook

Free

ADAMS HOLE

ST. JOHNSBURY

Find directions and safety tips for Adams Hole, an unofficial swimming spot in Joe's Brook near St. Johnsbury, VT. No fees or facilities.

Joes Brook

Swimming Holes in VT

ADAMS HOLE

ARLINGTON AREA

3 PLACES

BENSON'S HOLE

BOLTON POTHOLES

BRISTOL FALLS & CIRCLE CURRENT

BROCKWAYS MILLS GORGE

BURLINGTON AREA

Red Rocks Park Swimming Area, Burlington VT

BUTTERMILK FALLS

CAVENDISH GORGE

Clarendon Gorge Swimming Spots, Vermont

CONGDON'S POINT

THE CORNFIELD

DOG RIVER

DORSET QUARRY

Dummerston Region Swimming Holes

EAST MIDDLEBURY GORGE

FALLS OF LANA

Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes

FLOATING BRIDGE

FOUR CORNERS

GLEN LAKE

HAPGOOD POND

Jamaica Vermont Swimming Holes

KENTS CORNER AREA

Lamoille River Valley Swimming Holes

THE LEDGES

MAD RIVER AREA

MARBLE STREET QUARRY

MIDDLEBURY AREA

Middlebury and Burlington VT Swimming Holes

THE MILL

Montgomery Center Vermont Swimming Holes

Ompompanoosuc River Swimming Spots in Vermont

OSGOOD BROOK CULVERT

Poultney River Swimming Holes

THE POWER STATION

QUECHEE GORGE

ROCHESTER

Stockbridge Vermont River Swimming Holes

Stowe Vermont Swimming Holes

TIMBER CRIB DAM

TOLLES HILL DAM

WHITE RIVER

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