Best Vermont Swimming Holes to Visit
This page brings together Vermont swimming holes and a few waterfall stops where swimming is part of the visit, all on one map for easier trip planning.
If you want a swim-first day in Vermont, this is a good place to start. Use the list to compare stops, then open each guide for parking, flow, footing, and posted rules. The order is for planning, not a safety ranking.
Rank 1: Warren Falls — Warren
Stacked Mad River pools and ledges off VT 100 — popular jump spot when flow is settled.
- Can you swim?
- Swim allowed in season. Check posted rules
- Walk
- Fifteen to twenty minutes from the VT 100 lot on a steep bank path to the stacked pools and falls
Rank 2: Bingham Falls — Stowe
A popular short-hike waterfall near Stowe with a dramatic gorge and slick rock.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 15-25 min
Rank 3: 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 4: 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 5: Bolton Potholes — Bolton
Brook cascades. Walk-in from the parking area.
- Walk
- 5-15 min
Rank 6: Salmon Hole (West River) — Jamaica
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Rocky river pools. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- Five to fifteen minutes from a allowed pull-off down to the river pool
Rank 7: Quechee Gorge Swimming Area — Quechee
Gorge pools. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- About thirty to forty-five minutes round-trip on the Quechee Gorge Trail down to the river below the gorge
Rank 8: Lareau Swim Hole — Waitsfield
Vermont waterfall near Waitsfield. Open the trip guide for access; flow varies with season.
Rank 9: Foster’s Hole — Stowe
Vermont waterfall near Stowe. Open the trip guide for access; flow varies with season.
Rank 10: Trout River Falls — Montgomery
Rocky river pools. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- Five to ten minutes from a allowed pull-off down a short bank path to the Trout River
Keep planning
Choose what to explore next
Follow the reading order, compare nearby options, or jump to a guide that matches the kind of day you want.
More guides in Vermont
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