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Townshend Dam
Townshend, Vermont
Rocky river pools. Dedicated parking lot. Near Townshend.
At a glance
Overview
Rocky river pools. Plan for about A couple of minutes from the day-use lot to the former beach area or to the picnic shelter. (0.1 mi one way if you hike the full approach). Water use is often conditional on flow, staffing, and season—double-check before you suit up.
- County
- Windham County
- Region
- Southern Vermont
- Water type
- River pool
Know before you go
Public
Not wheelchair accessible
Conditions
Conditions snapshot
Check posted signs and official updates before entering.
Getting there
Townshend Dam and Townshend Lake are a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-control project on the West River in Townshend, Windham County. Recent USACE notices make an important change here: there is no longer a dedicated swimming beach at Townshend Lake. Significant siltation from recent storms and infrastructure changes have taken the developed swim area out of service, and the current guidance is that if you choose to enter the water you do so at your own risk. Pets are strictly prohibited on the former beach area. The day-use area remains open seasonally for picnicking, walking, and boat access, and the adjacent Townshend State Park (operated by Vermont State Parks) runs its own developed swim area on the West River just downstream. Before planning a swim, call the USACE ranger office at (978) 318-8915 for current site status. From VT 30 about two miles north of Townshend village, turn onto State Forest Road and follow the signs to the dam and day-use area.
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