Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near the Mad River Valley and Waterbury
This region runs from Warren and Waitsfield through Waterbury and into the Middlebury river corridor.
Use it when you want Mad River swims, reservoir beaches, and a few gorge or waterfall stops on the same outing. Stowe and Smugglers' Notch have their own separate page, so this list stays focused on the Mad River and Waterbury side of the range.
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: Lareau Swim Hole — Waitsfield
Vermont waterfall near Waitsfield. Open the trip guide for access; flow varies with season.
Rank 3: Waterbury Reservoir Swim Area — Waterbury Center
Freshwater reservoir swim area with official state-park context and a conservative access pin.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- A couple of minutes from either developed day-use lot to the reservoir shoreline
Rank 4: Little River State Park Swim Beach — Waterbury
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Brook cascades. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5 min
Rank 5: Moretown Gorge — Moretown
Gorge 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
- 5 min
Rank 6: East Middlebury Gorge — Middlebury
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Gorge pools. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5-10 min
Rank 7: Middlebury Gorge — Middlebury
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Gorge pools. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- Five to ten minutes from the VT 125 bridge pull-off down to the swim pools
Rank 8: Dog River Jacuzzi Natural Area — Northfield
Freshwater river swimming hole with official access from Vermont River Conservancy and a conservative parking pin.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 2-4 min
Rank 9: Punch Bowl Swimming Hole — Waitsfield
Rocky river pools. Dedicated parking lot.
- Walk
- Five to ten minutes along a worn path from the Warren Falls lot
Rank 10: Mad River Path (West Greenway) — Waitsfield
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Rocky river pools. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 5 min
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