Benson's Hole
Swimming hole in Manchester, Vermont · Creek
Benson's Hole is a brook swimming hole. It is near Manchester, Vermont. Access is free. Best season: July and August for warmest water temperatures.
Typical season: July and August for warmest water temperatures
About Benson's Hole
Near Manchester in Vermont, Benson'S Hole offers a straightforward outdoor swim on Bromley Brook.
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. Just cold, clear water rushing over smooth stones, hemmed in by the verdant hills of southern Vermont.
If you crave the feeling of discovering a place rather than being delivered to it, Benson's Hole delivers in full. Bromley Brook carves through a landscape that feels genuinely untouched. Overhanging trees filter the sunlight into shifting patterns on the water's surface, and the surrounding banks are thick with ferns, wildflowers, and the kind of moss-covered rocks that make every photographer reach for their camera. In July and August, the water reaches its warmest temperatures, making it a strong choice for a long, leisurely soak. Come early autumn, the foliage transforms the hillsides into a canvas of amber and crimson, and the combination of falling leaves and clear water creates scenery that's genuinely hard to beat. Wildlife sightings. Songbirds, the occasional deer at the water's edge, dragonflies skimming the surface. Are a regular feature of any visit.
No lifeguards patrol Benson'S Hole. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Brook
- Water body
- Bromley Brook
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Manchester
- State
- Vermont
- Coordinates
- 43.16497, -73.05687
- Best season
- July and August for warmest water temperatures; early autumn for stunning foliage views.
- Access difficulty
- Moderately challenging due to tricky directions and lack of facilities; requires attention to navigation and preparation.
- Parking
- Limited / restricted
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Not at site
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No facilities available; you should plan accordingly and pack everything needed for the trip.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit July and August for warmest water temperatures; early autumn for stunning foliage views.
- Access Moderately challenging due to tricky directions and lack of facilities; requires attention to navigation and preparation.
- Facilities No facilities available; you should plan accordingly and pack everything needed for the trip.
- Camping nearby Not at site
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear waters
- Secluded swimming area
- Surrounding wildlife and flora
- Photographic scenery
- Untouched natural beauty
- Fed by Bromley Brook with varying depths
- Completely natural, no facilities or fees
- Ideal for photography and wildlife spotting
How to get there
Benson'S Hole lies in Vermont near Manchester. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Benson's Hole is a scenic . Use these driving notes to reach the location safely and efficiently: Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting Point: Route 7
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Begin your journey on Route 7 and take
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Exit 4 near Manchester.
Travel East on Route 11/30 After exiting Route 7, travel east on Route 11/30 for about 0.25 miles .
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Turn onto East Manchester Road
As Route 11/30 begins to curve left and head north, look for East Manchester Road on your right. This turn is a sharp, hairpin right and can be easy to miss, so proceed slowly and watch for the road sign. Follow East Manchester Road Once on East Manchester Road, head south. The road will bend to the right and begin heading west. After about 0.3 miles , you will encounter a fork in the road. Bear Left at the Fork At the fork, bear left to remain on East Manchester Road. Do not continue straight onto Peace Road, as it leads to a dead end. Turn Left onto Glen Road After the fork, take your second left onto Glen Road .
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Parking Information
Drive down Glen Road until you reach a small bridge that crosses Bromley Brook . Park near the bridge in a safe and unobtrusive location. Ensure your vehicle is not blocking the road or access points.
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Final Approach to the
From the parking area near the bridge, follow the shoreline downstream along Bromley Brook. This short walk will lead you directly to Benson's Hole, the .
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Helpful notes
The turn onto East Manchester Road is easy to miss, so pay close attention to road signs and slow down as you approach.
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Parking near the bridge is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Wear sturdy footwear for the walk along the brook, as the terrain may be uneven. Have a safe visit to Benson's Hole!
Plan your visit
Benson'S Hole works well as a day trip from Manchester. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Adams Hole or browse more Vermont creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Vermont, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, unmaintained natural area. Parking is limited near the Glen Road bridge; do not block the road or private property. There is no fee information available. Always respect the environment and other visitors.
Top picks for this trip
Merrell Hydro Moc
If you want one shoe that handles the walk in, the swim, and the lounge afterward, the Hydro Moc is the easiest pick.
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Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Buy two — a large for drying off and a small for gear — and you still spend less than one cotton beach towel.
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What to pack for Benson's Hole
Gear we compare side by side for creek swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Benson'S Hole?
Yes. Benson'S Hole near Manchester in VT is a brook swimming spot on Bromley Brook. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Benson'S Hole free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “None”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Benson'S Hole?
Benson'S Hole is in VT within day-trip range of Manchester. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
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Map & location
Culture & history
Part of Manchester’s rich outdoor tradition, celebrated as a recreational getaway for generations.
Conservation
Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve its natural state; avoid littering and respect local wildlife.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.