By Xander Belogour, Vermont Country correspondent.
Summer in Vermont is synonymous with swimming, and the state is home to countless rivers, streams, and other places to cool off. When the Green Mountains warm up, Vermonters trade their snow gear for swimsuits and head straight to these favorite spots:
A note of caution: Vermont’s swimming holes are part of what makes summer here so special, but nature always deserves respect. Conditions can change quickly depending on the weather. Swim with a friend, keep a close eye on children, and use good judgment when exploring these beloved local spots. A little caution helps ensure these treasured places remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to pick up any litter you may bring to help keep our spots pristine.
Guilford: Green River Covered Bridge and Timber Dam
Perhaps one of Southern Vermont’s most quintessential spots is the Green River Covered Bridge and Timber Dam. Nestled deep in the valleys of Guilford, the Green River flows through the mountains of southern Vermont, and its clear, cool water is certainly a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
The timber dam and covered bridge frame the main swimming hole on either side. A waterfall complements the view, and after wading through chest-high portions of the hole, a local custom is to sit beneath the falls for a free back massage. Parking is available by the bridge and down along River Road. The dam is a minute walk from Sheppie’s Meadow, a perfect spot for a quick walk or picnic amidst the pink and white summer hydrangeas.
Whitingham: Harriman Reservoir
A lesser-known spot still perfect for a day in the water or a quick dip is the Harriman Reservoir, specifically the Harriman Reservoir Car Top Carry-In Access Boat Ramp in Whitingham. After a brisk on-trail 2-minute walk, visitors can explore a stone outcrop and views of the vast Reservoir.
Various picnic tables and grills are on site, and nearby hiking trails are easily accessible by foot or car, making this spot ideal for a family day trip. The reservoir and nearby boat launch sites give this spot the potential for both a big lake-day trip and a more sequestered swimming-hole feel.
Dummerston: West River
Beneath the historic Dummerston Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Vermont, is a spot known for its rocky beaches and lazy river. Currents here don’t flow too fast, and the water is just deep enough to wade through to search for deeper pockets to swim in.
Parking is ample off Route 30. Easy car access means this spot is good for bringing a floaty on the river or having a picnic on the beach. Still, visitors are advised to be mindful of taking their garbage back with them after they leave.
Jamaica: Salmon Hole
Salmon Hole is located in Jamaica State Park, where the river is slow-moving and clear. This swimming hole, part of the West River, is deep enough to swim in after a hike on the surrounding state park trails. Sandy and rocky beaches make Salmon Hole a perfect spot to cool off in, especially in hot weather. The park has well-maintained bathrooms nearby, and no dogs or fishing are allowed on site to maintain the spot’s tranquility.
Travelers who venture to Salmon Hole can walk the four-mile trail to see Hamilton Falls. The spot is a mile from Jamaica’s town center, where visitors can stop for a quick lunch or coffee in the town’s local shops and restaurants.
Dorset: Dorset Marble Quarry
One of the most famous swimming spots in the state can be a bit crowded at times, but it is still a must-visit for travelers seeking a unique experience swimming in the country’s first commercial quarry, which opened in 1785.
When commercial marble extraction stopped in the 1920s, the site gradually filled with water until its height today, reaching up to 60’ deep in certain parts. Today, cliff jumping from the 25’ ledges, swimming, and diving are all popular activities in the especially deep, cold quarry water. There are a few portable toilets on site, and visitors should expect to pay for parking on weekends. Jumpers are asked to use cliff ledges responsibly and exercise their sound judgment.
Alexander Belogour lives in Guilford, Vt. He considers himself an outdoorsman and likes to work with his hands despite the brunt of his time being spent in school. He does, however, love to write for the Brattleboro Reformer.
