Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes

About Felchville Swimming Holes

Tucked into a quiet corner of Windsor County, the Felchville Swimming Holes along the North Branch Black River offer one of Vermont's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path water experiences. These are places you stumble upon and remember for years — crystalline pools carved by centuries of moving water, sheltered by a dense canopy of hardwoods and conifers that keep the air cool and the light dappled even on the hottest summer days. There are no crowds, no concession stands, no lifeguards — just you, the river, and the sound of water threading through ancient stone.

The Setting and Landscape

The North Branch Black River has done patient, beautiful work here. Over time, it has sculpted three distinct pools into the bedrock, each one a slightly different shade of blue-green depending on the angle of the sun and the depth of the water beneath you. The most celebrated of these is Twenty-Foot Hole, a name that tells you exactly what you're in for. Getting there requires a moderate hike along a trail that can turn slick and demanding after rain, so wear shoes with grip and plan accordingly. Once you arrive, the effort dissolves immediately. Lush forest presses in from every side, and the only sounds are birdsong, wind in the leaves, and the low rush of water. Wildlife sightings — herons, songbirds, the occasional deer — are common enough that it's worth pausing before you splash in.

What Swimming Is Like

The pools here are cold, clear, and genuinely refreshing. The blue-green tint of the water isn't a trick of light — it reflects real depth and clarity, the hallmark of a river that runs clean through undeveloped Vermont countryside. Swimmers can wade into the gentler edges or commit fully to a leap from the rocky outcroppings above. A natural rope swing adds a jolt of adrenaline for those who want it, and the jumping spots draw visitors who like their swimming with a side of spectacle. Because this is an unofficial site with no facilities whatsoever, you carry in everything you need and carry out everything you bring. There are no restrooms, no changing areas, no trash cans. Treat the place accordingly, and it will remain the wild retreat it is today.

Plan Your Visit

Swimming here is best from June through August, when air temperatures are warm enough to make the cold water feel like a reward rather than a shock. Late spring brings the river to its fullest and most dramatic, though current strength can make swimming less relaxed during peak runoff. Entry to the swimming holes carries no fee, though conditions and access can change, so asking locally before you go is always wise. The site sits near the small communities of Felchville, Reading, and South Reading, and the classic Vermont village of Woodstock is within easy reach for a meal, lodging, or an afternoon of wandering before or after your swim. Plan to arrive early on warm weekends — word about places this good tends to travel.