Vermont · Waterfalls
Bartlett Falls
Swim: informal (unguarded). Risk: high. Roadside waterfall and pool on Lincoln Road near Bristol—cold water, slick rock, strong currents after rain, and jump-related risk; not a managed beach.
Lincoln Road falls near Bristol—swimming happens, but hazards are real.
Bristol · Addison County
First Time Here
Parking is along Lincoln Road near the falls—pull off only where posting allows and do not block travel lanes. The water is close to the road; traffic and neighbors are part of the scene.
If you swim, you are choosing a high-risk natural pool: cold water, uneven depth, slippery ledges, and currents that change with rain and snowmelt. There are no lifeguards.
Should You Go
Good for
- Strong swimmers and waders who accept cold water, slick rock, and variable current
- Visitors who will read the water the day they arrive and walk away if it feels wrong
- Quick Bristol-area stops when you already understand informal roadside swim spots
Skip if
- You want a lifeguarded or roped swimming area
- You are uncomfortable with jump culture nearby—some visitors use ledges; that is a personal risk choice
- You need guaranteed calm water—storms and melt change this reach quickly
Site Note
Parking, posting, and neighbor tolerance along Lincoln Road can change. Treat signs and local guidance as final. This guide is independent—not a land manager site.
Map & Trail
The map pin is placed at typical roadside parking along Lincoln Road—not the waterfall lip. Confirm what you see on the ground before you commit to a swim.
- Approach can be very short from a roadside pull-off; wet rock stays slick.
- After heavy rain, expect louder flow, more color in the water, and stronger current.
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