Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near the Northeast Kingdom
This page covers the Northeast Kingdomand Vermont's far northern tier: big lakes, cold rivers, and short walks to real falls.
It is best for travelers already heading toward Willoughby, Barton, Troy, Brighton, or the quieter corners of Essex County. Use the map to see what groups well, then open each guide for swim access, parking, and walk details.
Rank 1: Lake Willoughby South Beach — Westmore
Swimming hole in Vermont near Westmore. Open the trip guide for access and conditions.
Rank 2: Lake Willoughby North Beach — Westmore
Swimming hole in Vermont near Westmore. Open the trip guide for access and conditions.
Rank 3: Big Falls — Troy
A short walk in North Troy to a high-volume Missisquoi River waterfall and gorge overlook (North Troy, Vermont).
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 3-10 min
Rank 4: Big Falls Eddy — North Troy
A safer public pool below Big Falls of the Missisquoi, reached from River Road by a short walk past the gate.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 5-10 min
Rank 5: Crystal Lake State Park Swim Beach — Barton
Lake shoreline. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- Swim allowed in season. Check posted rules
- Walk
- 1-2 min
Rank 6: Crystal Lake Falls — Barton
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Tiered falls. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
Rank 7: Brighton State Park Swim Area — Brighton
Lake shoreline. Dedicated parking lot (Island Pond, Vermont).
- Can you swim?
- Swim allowed in season. Check posted rules
- Walk
- 2-5 min
Rank 8: Roaring Brook Falls — Bradford
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Tiered falls. Roadside pull-off access—use the shoulder safely and watch traffic.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- Five to ten minutes from a shoulder pull-off to the brook
Rank 9: Wells River Conservation Area — Newbury
Rocky river pools. Dedicated parking lot.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- Five to ten minutes from the conservation-area pull-off along a short bank path to the Wells River
Rank 10: Nulhegan Pond Access — Brunswick
Freshwater access near the Nulhegan basin with a conservative access-point pin.
- Can you swim?
- Conditional swim or wade access. Check flow and signage
- Walk
- 5 min
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Follow the reading order, compare nearby options, or jump to a guide that matches the kind of day you want.
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