Falls VT
Bolton Potholes
Bolton Potholes on Joiner Brook near Bolton, Vermont are free cascading granite pools popular with Burlington and Waterbury day-trippers. Cold mountain water and rock jumping — scout every landing.
View detailsSwimming holes near Burlington
22 natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Burlington, Vermont.
This page lists 22 natural swimming holes near Burlington, Vermont, sorted by distance within about 100 miles.
Where can you swim near Burlington?
Near Burlington, Vermont, our directory maps 22 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles of the city center — including 7 rivers, 7 creeks, 2 waterfalls, and 5 lakes. The closest mapped spot is Bolton Potholes (18 mi straight-line). Distances are not drive time; open each listing for directions, fee notes, access rules, and safety context before you travel.
At a glance — swimming holes near Burlington
| Central place | Burlington, Vermont |
|---|---|
| Search radius | About 100 miles |
| Mapped spots | 22 |
| Closest listing | Bolton Potholes (18 mi) |
| Water types | River (7), Creek (7), Waterfall (2), Lake (5), Quarry (1) |
| Typical fees | 13 free · 1 fee · 8 varies |
All swimming holes near Burlington
22 natural swim spots in Vermont, sorted by distance from the city center. For live GPS sorting, use swimming holes near me.
River, Pond VT
Kents Corner Area
Dirt roads wind past old stone walls, weathered barns, and stands of birch and maple. And the sound of moving water seems to follow you everywhere.
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Brook flowing through a breached dam VT
The Mill
Set along the clear, cold waters of Minister Brook near Worcester, this unofficial . A remnant of an earlier era that nature has spent decades reclaiming and reshaping.
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River VT
Dog River
There are no crowds, no entrance booths, and no manicured facilities. Just cold, clear Vermont river water and the steady sound of current moving over stone.
View details Brook VT
Falls Of Lana
Fed by the cold, clear waters of Sucker Brook, this unofficial . There are no signs directing you to a snack bar, no lifeguard whistles, no manicured lawns.
View details Lake VT
Floating Bridge
Floating Bridge lies in Vermont, where Sunset Lake moves through a wooded corridor. The Floating Bridge on Sunset Lake in Brookfield, Vermont is unmistakably the latter.
View details River VT
White River
It's unofficial, unpolished, and entirely genuine. A place where locals have been cooling off for generations and visitors quickly understand why.
View details River VT
Rochester
Rochester is a River swimming destination near Rutland in Vermont. The setting stays informal and low-key.
View details River VT
East Middlebury Gorge
East Middlebury Gorge is a clear Middlebury River swimming hole in Vermont with rock ledges and cold mountain water near Middlebury and East Middlebury. Free informal access — check depth before any jump.
View details Brook VT
Osgood Brook Culvert
This is not a developed recreation area with signage, parking lots, or crowds. It's a simple, roadside pause along Osgood Brook, where the water gathers into a small, inviting pool beside a rustic culvert, framed by the unhurried rhythms of central Vermont's countryside.
View details Brook VT
Four Corners
Situated where the towns of Lowell, Troy, and Jay converge, this beloved unofficial gathering place sits along Bugbee Brook, a clear, cold tributary of the Missisquoi River.
View details Lake VT
Congdon's Point
This is not a beach with a parking lot and a snack bar. It's the kind of place you find by following a wooded trail, navigating around boulders, and suddenly arriving somewhere that feels entirely your own.
View details Lake VT
Glen Lake
This is not a developed beach with snack bars and crowds. It's the kind of place you discover, return to, and tell only your closest friends about.
View details Creek VT
The Power Station
Its name tells the story: this informal . There are no signs pointing you here, no lifeguards on duty, and no manicured amenities.
View details Brook VT
Adams Hole
There are no signs pointing the way, no entry gates, and no snack bars. Just the brook, the trees, and the sound of water moving over stone.
View details River VT
Quechee Gorge
QUECHEE GORGE is a river destination on Ottauquechee River in VT near White River, Woodstock, Quechee. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View details Falls VT
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls sits in Vermont along Branch Brook. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
View details Dam/ River VT
Tolles Hill Dam
Tolles Hill Dam is a Dam/ River swimming destination near Ludlow in Vermont. The setting stays informal and low-key.
View details Pond VT
Hapgood Pond
Fed by glacial history and framed by dense, cathedral-like stands of northern hardwoods and conifers, this clear-water pond offers the kind of .
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Quarry VT
Dorset Quarry
It's the oldest marble quarry in the United States, carved out of the earth centuries ago and now filled with water so clear and still that the white marble walls shimmer beneath the surface like something out of a dream.
View details Brook VT
Benson's Hole
Unofficial and unimproved, this natural gem rewards those willing to navigate tricky backroads and arrive self-sufficient. No signage, no parking lot, no concession stand.
View details River VT
Brockways Mills Gorge
Brockways Mills Gorge is a River swimming destination near Brattleboro in Vermont. The setting stays informal and low-key.
View detailsTypes of swimming holes near Burlington
Browse by water type in Vermont — each link opens the full state directory for that category.
River (7)
A river swimming hole is a stretch of moving water deep enough to swim or wade — often a bend, pool, or slack-water pocket. Browse river spots below for access notes, fees, and seasonal flow tips.
Creek (7)
Creek swimming holes are smaller stream and brook pools — usually cooler, shallower, and tucked into forests or hollows. Use the list below to find creek swims by state, then confirm water level after rain.
Waterfall (2)
Waterfall swimming holes are plunge pools and cascades fed by falls. Flow is often seasonal; check depth, cold water, and slippery rock before you enter.
Lake (5)
Lake swimming holes include natural lakes, ponds, and reservoirs with shoreline access — still water that is often easier for families than currents. Browse lakes below for beaches, fees, and amenities.
Quarry (1)
Quarry swimming holes are deep, clear pools in former extraction sites. Depth can change suddenly — never dive without checking, and respect posted access rules.
What to expect at nearby spots
Highlights and safety notes from our listings — not third-party reviews. Report outdated info or share a tip.
- Bolton Potholes Series of cascading natural pools
- Bolton Potholes Never swim in frothy, foamy, or aerated water — you cannot float
- Kents Corner Area Calm waters of Beaver Pond
- Kents Corner Area Always enter water feet first
- The Mill Crystal-clear waters in Minister Brook
- The Mill Always check water depth and for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving
- Dog River Cool and clear waters perfect for swimming
- Dog River Check water conditions and depth before entering
Natural swim spots in the Burlington area
Burlington is a practical launch point for day trips to natural swimming holes in Vermont. Within about 100 miles you will find 22 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with Bolton Potholes about 18 mi from the city center.
The mix spans river, creek, waterfall, lake, quarry — related terms searchers use include creek swimming, river swimming holes, spring-fed pools, and wild swimming.
How distances work near Burlington
Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in Vermont with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the Burlington city center — not driving time. A creek swimming hole 12 miles away on forest roads can take longer than a river access point 20 miles away on a highway.
Wild swimming near Burlington includes informal river bends, spring-fed pools, waterfall plunge pools, and developed park swim areas. Rules, fees, and seasonal access differ by land manager. Never assume swimming is allowed without checking the listing and posted signs the day you visit.
Safety and water quality near you
Natural water near Burlington changes after rain, snowmelt, and summer heat. Cold shock, currents, submerged rocks, and bacteria are real risks at creek and river swimming holes — most sites have no lifeguard. Check weather and local advisories before you enter the water.
We publish original planning copy, safety tips, and last-updated dates on each listing. See our editorial policy for sourcing standards, or contact us if access or conditions have changed.
Swimming holes near Burlington — FAQ
Where can you swim near Burlington?
Near Burlington, Vermont, our directory lists 22 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles — mainly 7 rivers, 7 creeks, 2 waterfalls, and 5 lakes. Each listing links to directions, fee notes, and safety context. Use near me on your phone for live distance sorting from your location.
How many swimming holes are near Burlington, Vermont?
This page shows 22 mapped natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Burlington. The full Vermont directory may list additional holes farther out or awaiting coordinates. Counts update as we verify new listings.
What is the closest swimming hole to Burlington?
The closest mapped spot to Burlington is Bolton Potholes (18 mi straight-line). Open that listing for driving directions, access notes, and current fee information — unofficial holes can change without notice.
Are swimming holes near Burlington free?
13 listings note free or no-fee access; 1 require a fee or park admission; 8 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of swimming holes are near Burlington?
Near Burlington, documented water types include rivers, creeks, waterfalls, lakes, quarry. A swimming hole is a natural outdoor pool in moving or spring-fed water — not a chlorinated pool. Filter by type on the Vermont state page or open each card for water-body details.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes near Burlington?
Late spring through early fall is the usual swim season near Burlington, but snowmelt, drought, and weekend crowds change conditions week to week. Check each listing before you drive — high water after storms can make creeks and rivers unsafe.
Is it safe to swim in rivers and creeks near Burlington?
Wild swimming near Burlington carries real risks: cold water, currents, rocks, and no lifeguards at most unofficial sites. Check weather, water level, and posted warnings the day you visit. Read our river safety guide and each listing's safety section before entering the water.
Listing data last updated across spots on this page.