THE POWER STATION

About The Power Station Swimming Hole

Tucked along the banks of East Creek near the small Vermont communities of Rutland and Chittenden, The Power Station is one of those quietly beloved spots that locals have been slipping away to for generations. Its name tells the story: this informal swimming hole sits adjacent to the historic Glen Station, a former power generation plant whose weathered industrial bones now lend a surprisingly poetic backdrop to one of Vermont's most characterful creek swims. There are no signs pointing you here, no lifeguards on duty, and no manicured amenities — just cold, clear water, the hum of the surrounding forest, and the kind of unhurried afternoon that reminds you why you came to Vermont in the first place.

The Setting and Landscape

East Creek moves through this stretch of central Vermont with a personality all its own. The water runs cool and clean, shaded by a canopy of maples, birches, and hemlocks that press in close on either bank. The presence of the historic power station gives the site a layered, almost cinematic atmosphere — mossy stonework and weathered industrial structure standing in quiet contrast to the lush greenery surrounding it. In summer, the light filters through the leaves in shifting golden patches across the water's surface. Come autumn, the hillsides ignite in crimson and amber, and the creek reflects a canvas that photographers and leaf-peepers will find irresistible. Even spring has its appeal here: snowmelt feeds East Creek with extra energy, sending livelier currents through the channel that adventurous visitors will appreciate.

What Swimming Is Like

East Creek at The Power Station offers a natural mix of shallow wading areas and deeper swimming pockets, making it accessible for a range of comfort levels. The creek bottom is rocky, as is typical of Vermont waterways, so water shoes or sturdy sandals are a smart choice. The water stays refreshingly cold even in the height of summer — that signature Vermont mountain-creek chill that makes the first plunge gasp-worthy and the second utterly addictive. Clarity is a hallmark of this type of creek environment, and on a calm day you can watch the streambed shift beneath you in rippling light. Wildlife sightings are common along the banks: watch for herons picking their way through the shallows or the dart of a kingfisher overhead. This is a place that rewards those who slow down and pay attention.

Practical Visit Information

The Power Station is an unofficial swimming spot, meaning it operates without formal sanction, designated facilities, or confirmed fee structures. Visitors should come self-sufficient — pack your own water, snacks, sun protection, and a towel. Parking is accessible near Glen Station, and the terrain to reach the water is generally easy to moderate, though rocky footing near the creek edge calls for a careful step. There is no camping available at the site itself. As with any unofficial natural swimming area, conditions change seasonally, so visit with awareness and respect for the environment and any posted notices.

Plan Your Visit

The Power Station sits within easy reach of both Rutland and Chittenden, Vermont — making it a natural add-on to a broader exploration of central Vermont's Green Mountain region. Rutland, Vermont's second-largest city, offers a full range of restaurants, lodging, and services before or after your visit. Chittenden, a quieter mountain town to the north, provides access to the Chittenden Reservoir and surrounding trails. Summer weekends draw the most visitors, so an early-morning or weekday arrival will reward you with the creek nearly to yourself.