Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Lake Champlain and Burlington
This region covers Lake Champlain, the Champlain Islands, and the Winooski River approach into Burlington.
It works best when you want a mix of beach swimming, river access, and a few quick waterfall stops without driving deep into the mountains. Compare the map first, then open each guide for parking, swim rules, and walk time.
Rank 1: Bolton Potholes — Bolton
Brook cascades. Walk-in from the parking area.
- Walk
- 5-15 min
Rank 2: Bartlett Falls — Bristol (New Haven River)
A classic roadside Bristol waterfall and swimming hole with deep water, jump culture, and big summer crowds.
- Walk
- 1-3 min
Rank 3: Shelburne Falls — Shelburne
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Forest cascade. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- A couple of minutes of roadside viewing near a small brook crossing
Rank 4: Charlotte Town Beach — Charlotte
Freshwater town beach on Lake Champlain with a conservative shoreline pin.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 1-2 min
Rank 5: Leddy Beach — Burlington
Swimming hole in Vermont near Burlington. Open the trip guide for access and conditions.
Rank 6: Red Rocks — South Burlington
A freshwater Lake Champlain swim area inside South Burlington's Red Rocks Park.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- Ten to fifteen minutes from the parking area down the wooded trails to the rocky swim shoreline
Rank 7: Sand Bar State Park Swim Beach — Milton
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Lake shoreline. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- A couple of minutes from the lot to the sand
Rank 8: Clark’s Falls — Milton
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Forest cascade. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 2-5 min
Rank 9: Burton Island Swim Beach — St. Albans
Lake shoreline. Check posted parking and respect neighbors.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 5-10 min
Rank 10: Knight Point State Park Swim Beach — North Hero
Swimming hole in Vermont near North Hero. Open the trip guide for access and conditions.