Bolton Potholes
Swimming hole in Burlington, Vermont · Waterfall
Bolton Potholes is a falls swimming hole. It is at Joiner Brook at Bolton Valley Access Rd (no legal parking), Bolton, VT. Fee notes: Free site access, but there is currently NO legal car parking (tow zone) — arrive only by…. Best season: Mid–late summer on dry spells with clear, non-foamy water only.
Typical season: Mid–late summer on dry spells with clear, non-foamy water only
About Bolton Potholes
Bolton Potholes on Joiner Brook in Bolton, Vermont, is one of New England’s most photographed cascade-and-pothole swimming holes. and one of the deadliest. Vermont River Conservancy notes multiple drownings here (commonly cited as **seven+**), concentrated in the lower **Eagle’s Eye** pothole where swift current aerates the water into frothy foam you cannot float in. even strong swimmers sink in aerated water.
Public access is conserved, but **there is currently no legal vehicle parking**. Town and state rules ban parking on US Route 2, for two miles up Bolton Valley Access Road, at Smilie Memorial School, and on Curtis Lane (residents only). Treat frothy water, high flow, and the 24, 48 hours after heavy rain as no-go conditions. Respect neighbors: keep music low, pack out every scrap of trash, and treat this as a fragile conserved site. not a party zone.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Joiner Brook at Bolton Valley Access Rd (no legal parking), Bolton, VT 05465
- Water type
- Falls
- Water body
- Joiner Brook
- Fee
- Free site access, but there is currently NO legal car parking (tow zone) — arrive only by foot, bike, or legal shuttle
- Nearest town
- Burlington
- State
- Vermont
- Coordinates
- 44.37200, -72.88000
- Best season
- Mid–late summer on dry spells with clear, non-foamy water only
- Access difficulty
- Short approach but rocky and dangerous in high water
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Cliff jumping
- Not allowed
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Activities
- Cautious swimming/wading only when conditions are clearly safe; photography
- Facilities
- None on-site — pack everything out
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Mid, late summer on dry spells with clear, non-foamy water only
- Access Short approach but rocky and dangerous in high water
- Facilities None on-site. pack everything out
Highlights & features
- Series of cascading natural pools
- Carved by Joiner Brook over millennia
- Ideal for swimming and rock jumping
- Surrounded by lush Vermont forests
- Accessible yet rugged and natural
- Geological formations created by erosion
- Diverse swimming options from shallow pools to deep basins
- Seasonal beauty including vibrant fall foliage and winter ice formations
How to get there
Do not plan a drive-and-park visit. Vermont River Conservancy and the Town of Bolton state access is by **foot or bicycle only** right now. Illegally parked cars are towed at owner expense.
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1. Leave vehicles only in a legal off-site location (or skip the stop if you cannot).
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2. Approach Joiner Brook from authorized paths near the Bolton Valley Access Road / US-2 area without parking illegally.
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3. Watch for warning signs; scout Eagle’s Eye and other potholes from shore before considering any entry.
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4. Pack out trash and keep noise down — neighbors live next to this hole.
Plan your visit
Bolton Potholes works well as a day trip from Burlington or Waterbury. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include Buttermilk Falls and Dog River. For the full list in Vermont, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, unmaintained natural area. Parking is extremely limited in a small roadside pull-off. No restrooms, changing facilities, or trash services are available. Please pack out all waste. Access and conditions can change; respect any posted signage.
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What to pack for Bolton Potholes
Gear we compare side by side for waterfall swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Where do you park for Bolton Potholes?
Nowhere legal at the site right now. Parking is banned on US-2, Bolton Valley Access Road (two miles), Smilie School, and Curtis Lane (residents only). Walk, bike, or choose another hole.
Why is Bolton Potholes dangerous?
Deep potholes and fast current trap air at the surface (especially Eagle’s Eye). Foamy water has no buoyancy — multiple drownings are documented.
When is Bolton Potholes safest?
Only in calm, clear low-to-moderate flow with no foam. Avoid 24–48 hours after heavy rain and cold, high spring runoff.
Can you jump at Bolton Potholes?
Jumping into aerated or unknown-depth pools has contributed to fatalities. Enter feet-first only if conditions are clearly safe — many days the answer is simply do not jump.
Are dogs allowed at Bolton Potholes?
Keep dogs controlled and out of high-risk pools; respect neighbors and pack out waste. Conditions that are unsafe for people are worse for pets.
Is Bolton Potholes free?
Site access is free, but lack of legal parking is the real gatekeeper — do not create a parking problem for the town.
How far is Bolton Potholes from Burlington?
Roughly 20–25 minutes east of Burlington toward Waterbury via I-89 / US-2 — but again, arrive without illegal roadside parking.
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Map & location
Culture & history
The potholes are part of Vermont’s rich natural heritage, showcasing the power of water in shaping the landscape over time.
Conservation
Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Avoid littering and respect wildlife habitats.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.