Best Vermont Swimming Holes
Ten ranked swimming holes in Vermont—river pools, Dorset Quarry, and Mad River stops people actually plan summer days around.
Early June can still mean cold water and slick rock. Use the map, then open each guide for parking, access, hazards, and whether the stop is a full swim or a short cool-off.
Rank 1: Cornfield Swimming Hole — near Brattleboro
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Rocky river pools. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 3-5 min
Rank 2: Dorset Quarry — Dorset
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Quarry water. Check posted parking and respect neighbors.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 2-5 min
Rank 3: Lareau Swim Hole — Waitsfield
Swimming hole in Vermont near Waitsfield. Open the trip guide for access and conditions.
Rank 4: Gold Brook Swimming Hole — Stowe
Swimming hole in Vermont near Stowe. Open the trip guide for access and conditions.
Rank 5: Mad River Path — Waitsfield
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Rocky river pools. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5 min
Rank 6: Dog River Jacuzzi — Northfield
Dog River Jacuzzi is a small, unofficial river-pool swim near Berlin with allowed parking at the fire department lot (Berlin, Vermont).
- Can you swim?
- Unofficial swim
- Walk
- 2-4 min
Rank 7: Bolton Potholes — Bolton
Brook cascades. Walk-in from the parking area.
- Walk
- 5-15 min
Rank 8: Bristol Falls — Bristol
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Rocky river pools. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 1-3 min
Rank 9: Cavendish Gorge — Cavendish
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Gorge pools. Limited shoulder parking—arrive early or carpool.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 15-25 min
Rank 10: Rock River Swimming Holes — South Newfane
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Check the Rock River access website for current corridor notes.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- About fifteen to twenty-five minutes each way on unpaved trails from the VT 30 pull-offs to the main swim pools
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