BENSON'S HOLE

About Benson's Hole

Tucked away along the winding course of Bromley Brook near Manchester, Vermont, Benson's Hole is the kind of swimming hole that feels like a secret worth keeping. Unofficial and unimproved, this natural gem rewards those willing to navigate tricky backroads and arrive self-sufficient. No signage, no parking lot, no concession stand — just cold, clear water rushing over smooth stones, hemmed in by the verdant hills of southern Vermont. If you crave the feeling of discovering a place rather than being delivered to it, Benson's Hole delivers in full.

The Setting and Landscape

Bromley Brook carves through a landscape that feels genuinely untouched. Overhanging trees filter the sunlight into shifting patterns on the water's surface, and the surrounding banks are thick with ferns, wildflowers, and the kind of moss-covered rocks that make every photographer reach for their camera. The swimming area sits in a naturally formed pool where the brook widens and deepens, offering varying depths that range from ankle-high shallows near the edges to deeper pockets toward the center. In July and August, the water reaches its warmest temperatures, making it ideal for a long, leisurely soak. Come early autumn, the foliage transforms the hillsides into a canvas of amber and crimson, and the combination of falling leaves and clear water creates scenery that's genuinely hard to beat. Wildlife sightings — songbirds, the occasional deer at the water's edge, dragonflies skimming the surface — are a regular feature of any visit.

The Swimming Experience

The water at Benson's Hole carries that unmistakable Vermont brook character: brisk even in midsummer, crystal-clear down to the rocky bottom, and refreshing in a way that no chlorinated pool can replicate. You'll feel the current gently moving around you as you wade in, the smooth brook-stones shifting slightly underfoot. The varying depths make it accessible for confident waders and comfortable for those who simply want to float in a quiet pool and stare up through the tree canopy. There are no lifeguards on duty and no safety infrastructure of any kind, so swimmers should honestly assess their own abilities and never swim alone. Children should be supervised closely, particularly near deeper sections.

Plan Your Visit

Benson's Hole is a free, unofficial site with absolutely no facilities on-site — no restrooms, no changing areas, no trash receptacles. Pack everything in and pack everything out. Sturdy footwear for the approach and a dry bag for your valuables are strongly recommended. Because directions can be genuinely tricky, do your research thoroughly before leaving home and allow extra time to locate the spot. The nearest full-service town is Manchester, Vermont, a charming and well-appointed destination roughly a short drive away, where you'll find excellent restaurants, lodging, and shops to round out your day. The surrounding Green Mountains region also offers hiking, waterfall chasing, and scenic drives that pair beautifully with a morning swim at the brook. Visit midweek if you can — this kind of spot rewards those who arrive before the crowd does.