Dorset Quarry

Near Jamaica in Vermont, Dorset Quarry offers a straightforward outdoor swim. This is no ordinary . 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. Whether you're a longtime Vermonter or a first-time visitor passing through Manchester or Jamaica, this legendary spot has a way of stopping you in your tracks. The quarry sits in a natural bowl of pale, striated marble, its walls rising dramatically from the water's edge and draped in summer greenery. Birches and maples crowd the rim, their branches arching overhead and casting dappled light across the surface. The contrast is striking. The cold geometry of cut stone against the soft chaos of the forest. In autumn, the foliage transforms the quarry into a painter's canvas, with crimson and gold leaves reflected perfectly in the still water below. No lifeguards patrol Dorset Quarry. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.

Dorset Quarry works well as a day trip from Jamaica or Manchester. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Jamaica Vermont Swimming Holes (about 9.4 mi away) or browse more Vermont quarry spots in our directory. For the full list in Vermont, see our state directory.

Access is permitted at the discretion of the private property owners. There is no fee for entry. Parking is not allowed on Route 30; visitors must park along the left side of Kelly Road. Swimming and jumping are undertaken at your own risk.

Dorset Quarry is a piece of Vermont’s industrial heritage, symbolizing early marble extraction efforts and the state’s historical connection to natural resources.

Please follow Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering and respect the natural environment to preserve Dorset Quarry’s beauty.