Vermont · Swimming Holes
Cavendish Gorge
Swim: not recommended. Recreation summaries for **Cavendish Gorge** on the **Black River** describe short foot access near the historic hydropower corridor off **VT Route 131** (parking and posting change—read **Cavendish Connects** and any DEC or utility signage the day you visit). Coordinates match the USGS monitoring point on the Black River in Cavendish as a defensible river pin; adjust after field verification if a trailhead lot is preferred. Cold moving water; slippery bedrock and moss common. Current and debris increase after storms. No lifeguards—supervise children within reach and avoid dam infrastructure and posted hazard zones.
Black River gorge in Cavendish—short approaches; verify posting near Route 131.
Cavendish · Windsor County
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First Time Here
Recreation summaries for **Cavendish Gorge** on the **Black River** describe short foot access near the historic hydropower corridor off **VT Route 131** (parking and posting change—read **Cavendish Connects** and any DEC or utility signage the day you visit). Coordinates match the USGS monitoring point on the Black River in Cavendish as a defensible river pin; adjust after field verification if a trailhead lot is preferred.
Cold moving water; slippery bedrock and moss common. Current and debris increase after storms. No lifeguards—supervise children within reach and avoid dam infrastructure and posted hazard zones.
Flow, posting, and neighbor context change with the season—use this page as orientation, then verify on site.
Should You Go
Good for
- Visitors comfortable with cold moving water and natural, uneven footing
- Groups that will read Conditions then still judge each access on site
- People willing to follow posted access and neighbor context
Skip if
- You need lifeguards or a managed pool
- High water or storms make you uneasy—wait for another day
- You want lifeguarded water and zero ambiguity about rules before you arrive
Safety on site
Cold moving water; slippery bedrock and moss common. Current and debris increase after storms. No lifeguards—supervise children within reach and avoid dam infrastructure and posted hazard zones. This guide is independent—posted rules and land managers always win; verify access the day you visit.
Map & Trail
Recreation summaries for **Cavendish Gorge** on the **Black River** describe short foot access near the historic hydropower corridor off **VT Route 131** (parking and posting change—read **Cavendish Connects** and any DEC or utility signage the day you visit). Coordinates follow the USGS monitoring point on the Black River in Cavendish so maps stay reproducible—compare with any trailhead lot you prefer after scouting. Driving directions bring you to that river reach; walk in only from posting you have verified.
- Natural river access—footing and posting change with season and weather.
- Confirm trail names, distances, and seasonal closures against official sources when you can.
Gallery
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