3 PLACES

About Arlington Green, No Name Hole & Grout Pond: Three Vermont Swimming Gems

Tucked into the rolling hills and river valleys of southwestern Vermont, this trio of swimming destinations offers something for every kind of water-seeker — from families looking for a gentle, accessible splash to adventurers willing to push off the beaten path for a hidden reward. The Batten Kill River corridor and the Green Mountain backcountry set the scene: think moss-covered banks, the sound of moving water filtering through stands of birch and maple, and skies that seem somehow bluer once you're surrounded by all that green.

The Setting & Landscape

Arlington Green is perhaps the most immediately rewarding of the three spots. Situated along the Batten Kill River near a historic covered bridge, it carries the unmistakable charm of old Vermont — the kind of place that feels like it belongs on a postcard, except you're actually standing in it. The covered bridge frames the scene perfectly, its weathered timbers reflected in the clear, cool river water below. In late September and October, the surrounding hillsides erupt in fiery reds, burnt oranges, and gold, making this one of the finest spots in the region for autumn photography even when the swimming season has wound down.

No Name Hole lives up to its mysterious title. Reaching it may require a bit of off-road exploration and a willingness to follow faint trails, but the payoff is a more secluded, intimate experience away from the crowds. Wildlife sightings — deer at the water's edge, herons wading in the shallows — are more common here precisely because fewer people make the trip.

Grout Pond, the only officially sanctioned swimming area of the three, sits deeper in the Green Mountain National Forest. It's the most developed option, offering bathrooms on-site and even camping for those who want to make a full weekend of it.

What Swimming Is Like

The Batten Kill's waters are famously clear and cold, fed by mountain springs and shaded by a generous forest canopy. At Arlington Green, you'll find a mix of shallow wading areas and deeper pockets where jumping is part of the fun — an excellent combination for groups with both cautious first-timers and eager leapers. No Name Hole offers a similarly varied depth profile, blending shallow reaches with deeper pools. Grout Pond, as a pond rather than a river, offers calmer, slightly warmer water — ideal for longer swims or for younger children who prefer still water to current. July and August are the prime swimming months across all three locations, when water temperatures are at their most welcoming and the days are long.

Plan Your Visit

All three sites are free to visit, though fees may apply for camping at Grout Pond — check current Green Mountain National Forest guidelines before you go. Arlington Green and No Name Hole have no restroom facilities, so come prepared. None of these locations have lifeguards on duty, so swimmers should exercise appropriate caution, especially with children or in deeper water. The nearest towns — Bennington, Arlington, West Arlington, and East Arlington — provide dining, lodging, and supplies. Arlington in particular is a charming base camp, with easy access to the Batten Kill and the area's broader network of outdoor recreation. Whether you're making a day trip from Bennington or camping under the stars at Grout Pond, this corner of Vermont rewards the curious traveler generously.