24 natural swim spots within about 80 miles of Wilmington, Vermont.
This page lists 24 natural swimming holes near Wilmington, Vermont, sorted by straight-line distance within about 80 miles — including 13 rivers, 2 creeks, 1 waterfall, and 4 lakes. It is a city day-trip list, not the national GPS finder. Open each listing for directions, fees, and access before you drive.
Where can you swim near Wilmington?
Near Wilmington, Vermont, our directory maps 24 natural swimming holes within about 80 miles of the city center — including 13 rivers, 2 creeks, 1 waterfall, and 4 lakes. The closest mapped spot is Dummerston Region Swimming Holes (11 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 Wilmington
Central place
Wilmington, Vermont
Search radius
About 80 miles
Mapped spots
24
Closest listing
Dummerston Region Swimming Holes (11 mi)
Water types
River (13), Creek (2), Waterfall (1), Lake (4), Quarry (2), Other (2)
Typical fees
14 free · 10 varies
All swimming holes near Wilmington
24 natural swim spots in Vermont, sorted by distance from the city center. Statewide inventory counts are on the U.S. swimming holes dataset. For live GPS sorting from your device, use the GPS finder.
Scattered along the banks of the West River and Rock River in Southern Vermont, the Dummerston Region . These are unofficial, unhurried spots where the water runs cold and clear, the forest leans close overhead, and the only agenda is the afternoon itself.
The Cornfield lies in Vermont, where West River moves through a wooded corridor. There are no signs announcing its presence, no entry gates, no snack bars.
The Ledges on Harriman Reservoir near Wilmington, Vermont is a rock-slab shoreline swim known as one of New England’s established clothing-optional beaches. Free informal access — pack out trash and respect other users.
This unofficial, undeveloped spot sits between the towns of Brattleboro and Guilford, offering a genuinely rustic river experience far removed from manicured beaches and crowded pools.
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.
The Batten Kill River corridor and the Green Mountain backcountry set the scene: think moss-covered banks, the sound of moving water filtering through stands of birch and maple, and skies that seem somehow bluer once you're surrounded by all that green.
The landscape here is quintessentially New England. Weathered farmhouses punctuating open meadows, forested ridgelines catching the morning mist, and clear mountain streams threading through valley floors.
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.
Brockways Mills Gorge is a river swimming spot on Williams River near Brattleboro, Vermont. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Dramatic rock formations. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Water conditions can change rapidly.
Tolles Hill Dam is a dam swimming spot on Black River near Ludlow, Vermont. What people come for: Cool and refreshing Black River waters; Scenic forested surroundings. Best visited in Summer. Exercise extreme caution around the dam structure.
Carved over millennia by the Black River, this dramatic gorge cuts through ancient rock with a quiet authority, offering one of the most visually striking natural .
Buttermilk Falls near Rutland, Vermont is a falls swimming spot on Branch Brook. What people come for: Exciting swimming and jumping activities; Picturesque cascades and lush surroundings. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always check water depth before jumping.
Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes lies in Vermont, where North Branch Black River moves through a wooded corridor. These are places you stumble upon and remember for years.
Clarendon Gorge Swimming Spots, Vermont lies in Vermont, where Mill River moves through a wooded corridor. The Mill River has spent millennia carving its way through the bedrock here, leaving behind a dramatic channel of sculpted stone, deep cold pools, and sheer rock faces that seem almost too.
Marble Street Quarry near Vermont is a flooded quarry swimming hole with clear deep water. Access rules vary — confirm it is open to the public before entering; never trespass.
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.
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.
Stockbridge Vermont River Swimming Holes near Rutland, Vermont is a river swimming spot on White River, Tweed River. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of White and Tweed Rivers; Natural rock slides for adventurous fun. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in spring. Always check water conditions and depth before entering.
Rochester is a river swimming spot on Branch of White River near Rutland, Vermont. What people come for: Cool, clear water ideal for swimming and tubing; Accessible location near Rochester, VT. Best visited in September-October. Always scout the river current and depth before entering.
Looking for rivers near you to swim? A river swimming hole is moving water deep enough to swim or wade — often a bend, pool, or slack-water pocket. Browse river spots below, or start with GPS near-me sorting, then confirm access and flow the day you go.
Looking for swimming creeks near you? Creek swimming holes are smaller stream and brook pools — usually cooler, shallower, and tucked into forests or hollows. Use the list below (or near-me GPS), then confirm water level after rain.
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.
Looking for swimming lakes near you? Only swim where it is allowed — many reservoirs and drinking-water lakes ban body contact. This catalog is lakes, ponds, and reservoirs with documented public swim access: beaches, fees, and no-swim warnings on each listing.
Looking for quarry swimming near you? Quarry swimming holes are deep, clear pools in former extraction sites. Depth can change suddenly — never dive without checking, respect posted access rules, and prefer documented public sites over fenced pits.
Mixed or unique water types that do not fit a single category — review each listing for access and conditions.
Creeks, lakes, and water holes near Wilmington
People search for this in a dozen different ways. Here is what each one means around Wilmington, with the counts from our directory.
creeks near me
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 2 creek swimming holes. The closest is Benson's Hole, about 23 mi out. Also searched as: swimming creeks near me, water streams near me. Sort creek swimming holes by distance from you.
river swimming near me
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 13 river swimming holes. The closest is Dummerston Region Swimming Holes, about 11 mi out. Also searched as: rivers you can swim in near me. Sort river swimming holes by distance from you.
swimming lakes near me
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 4 swimming lakes. The closest is The Ledges, about 16 mi out. Also searched as: lakes to swim near me, swimmable lakes near me. Sort swimming lakes by distance from you.
swimming quarries near me
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 2 quarry swimming holes. The closest is Dorset Quarry, about 26 mi out. Also searched as: quarry lake near me. Sort quarry swimming holes by distance from you.
waterfall swimming holes near me
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 1 waterfall plunge pool. The closest is Buttermilk Falls, about 40 mi out. Also searched as: waterfalls to swim in near me. Sort waterfall plunge pools by distance from you.
water holes near me
"Water hole" and "swim spot" are the same search as swimming hole — natural outdoor water deep enough to swim or wade. We map 24 of them within about 80 miles of Wilmington, across 6 water types. Browse the full directory.
where to go swimming near me
For outdoor swimming near Wilmington, start with the 24 listings on this page sorted by distance from the city center, then read the access notes before you drive — the closest pin is not always one you are allowed to swim in. Municipal pools are not in this directory. Sort everything by GPS distance.
free places to swim near me
14 of the 24 spots near Wilmington are listed as free or no-fee access. Most are public-land creek and river access points; parking passes can still apply at trailheads. Show free swim spots near me.
What to expect at nearby spots
Highlights and safety notes from our listings — not third-party reviews. Report outdated info or share a tip.
Jamaica Vermont Swimming HolesAlways assess water conditions yourself. Currents, depth, and underwater obstacles can change. Never dive headfirst
Natural swim spots in the Wilmington area
Wilmington is a practical launch point for day trips to natural swimming holes in Vermont. Within about 80 miles you will find 24 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with Dummerston Region Swimming Holes about 11 mi from the city center.
The mix spans river, creek, waterfall, lake, quarry, other — related terms searchers use include creek swimming, river swimming holes, spring-fed pools, and wild swimming.
How distances work near Wilmington
Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in Vermont with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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.
Near Wilmington, Vermont, our directory lists 24 natural swimming holes within about 80 miles — mainly 13 rivers, 2 creeks, 1 waterfall, and 4 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 Wilmington, Vermont?
This page shows 24 mapped natural swim spots within about 80 miles of Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?
The closest open mapped spot to Wilmington is Dummerston Region Swimming Holes (11 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 Wilmington free?
14 listings note free or no-fee access; 10 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of swimming holes are near Wilmington?
Near Wilmington, documented water types include rivers, creeks, waterfall, lakes, quarrys, others. 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 Wilmington?
Late spring through early fall is the usual swim season near Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?
Wild swimming near Wilmington 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.
Where can I find creeks near Wilmington?
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 2 creek swimming holes. The closest is Benson's Hole, about 23 mi out. Also searched as: swimming creeks near me, water streams near me.
Where can I find river swimming near Wilmington?
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 13 river swimming holes. The closest is Dummerston Region Swimming Holes, about 11 mi out. Also searched as: rivers you can swim in near me.
Where can I find swimming lakes near Wilmington?
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 4 swimming lakes. The closest is The Ledges, about 16 mi out. Also searched as: lakes to swim near me, swimmable lakes near me.
Where can I find swimming quarries near Wilmington?
Within about 80 miles of Wilmington we map 2 quarry swimming holes. The closest is Dorset Quarry, about 26 mi out. Also searched as: quarry lake near me.
Listing data last updated across spots on this page.