Stowe Vermont Swimming Holes

About Swimming Holes Near Stowe, Vermont

Tucked into the folds of Vermont's Green Mountains, the swimming holes near Stowe are the kind of places that feel like a well-kept local secret — even when you've read about them before arriving. Spread across the river corridors and forested ravines surrounding Stowe, Morrisville, and Montpelier, these spots draw swimmers, hikers, and photographers into cold, clear water framed by moss-covered ledges, dramatic cascades, and canopies of maple and birch. No two are alike, and that variety is exactly the point.

The Settings and Landscapes

Each swimming hole here has its own distinct personality. Foster's Pool sits along the West Branch Waterbury River, where the water collects into a deep, inviting pool — the kind where you drift out toward the center and feel the temperature drop beneath your feet. Bingham Falls arrives with a sense of theater: you hear the cascades before you see them, a thundering rush of water plunging through a narrow gorge of dark volcanic rock. The walls close in around you, and the mist rises cool against your face. Coty's Hole is more intimate, a spot beloved by locals for a jumping rock that hangs above a swimmable pool, where the rhythm of the afternoon is dictated by who's next in line to leap. Cady's Falls rewards the patient visitor with a natural stone wall and a serene, almost meditative atmosphere. The Gorge offers shallow, quiet water — ideal for those who want to wade and watch the world slow down.

Swimming and the Water Experience

Vermont's mountain-fed streams run cold even in midsummer, so expect a bracing first entry that gives way to exhilarating relief. Depth varies considerably across these sites — Foster's deep pool invites full submersion and long floats, while The Gorge suits waders and younger swimmers who prefer to stay close to shore. Bingham Falls is more of a spectacle than a long-swimming destination; the power of the water commands respect. Access ranges from straightforward at Foster's to a moderate hike through hemlock forest at Bingham Falls and Cady's Falls. Visitors heading to Coty's Hole should note that parking is limited, and arriving via the local bike path may be the most practical option.

Planning Your Visit

Summer is the prime season, when warm days make the cold water irresistible and the surrounding forest is dense and green. Spring brings higher water levels and cooler temperatures — beautiful but best left to experienced swimmers. Fall transforms these gorges and riverbanks into something extraordinary: the foliage blazes orange and red above water that's still swimmable on warmer days, and the light through the trees is nothing short of photogenic. Facilities at these natural sites are not confirmed, so come prepared — pack water, snacks, and footwear that handles slippery rocks. Fees and accessibility status can vary, so check local sources before heading out. Base yourself in the charming village of Stowe, just minutes from most of these spots, or explore the broader region from Morrisville to the north or Montpelier, Vermont's compact and walkable state capital, to the south.