Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes
Swimming hole in Woodstock, Vermont · River
Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes is a river pools swimming hole. It is near Woodstock, Vermont. Access is free. Best season: Summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather and ideal.
Typical season: Summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather and ideal
About Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes
Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes lies in Vermont, where North Branch Black River moves through a wooded corridor. Visitors trade crowds for a quieter bank access.
These are places you stumble upon and remember for years. Crystalline pools carved by centuries of moving water, sheltered by a dense canopy of hardwoods and conifers that keep the air cool and the light dappled even on the hottest summer days. There are no crowds, no snack bars, no lifeguards. Just you, the river, and the sound of water threading through ancient stone.
The North Branch Black River has done patient, beautiful work here. Over time, it has sculpted three distinct pools into the bedrock, each one a slightly different shade of blue-green depending on the angle of the sun and the depth of the water beneath you. The most celebrated of these is Twenty-Foot Hole, a name that tells you exactly what you're in for. Once you arrive, the effort dissolves immediately. Lush forest presses in from every side, and the only sounds are birdsong, wind in the leaves, and the low rush of water. Wildlife sightings. Herons, songbirds, the occasional deer. Are common enough that it's worth pausing before you splash in.
No lifeguards patrol Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes. 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
- River pools
- Water body
- North Branch Black River
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Woodstock
- State
- Vermont
- Best season
- Summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather and ideal .
- Access difficulty
- Moderate. The steep trail leading to the Twenty-Foot Hole can be challenging, especially after rain.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Activities
- Swimming, Jumping, Rope Swing
- Facilities
- No facilities available. Bring essentials such as water, snacks, and first-aid supplies.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather and ideal .
- Access Moderate. The steep trail leading to the Twenty-Foot Hole can be challenging, especially after rain.
- Facilities No facilities available. Bring essentials such as water, snacks, and first-aid supplies.
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear blue-green pools
- Rope swings and jumping spots
- Lush forest surroundings
- Wildlife and bird sightings
- Photographic opportunities
- Three distinct pools carved into the river
- Natural rope swing for adventurous visitors
- Untouched wilderness setting with no facilities
How to get there
Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes lies in Vermont near Woodstock, Felchville, and Reading. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. 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.
-
Starting Point: Woodstock, VT
-
Begin in Woodstock, VT, and head south on Route 106 (VT-106).
Continue on VT-106 for about 13 miles until you reach Felchville. Turning onto Tyson Road
-
3. In Felchville, look for the Reading General Store, which will be on your right.
-
4. At the Reading General Store, turn right onto Tyson Road (heading west). Following Tyson Road
-
5. Tyson Road runs parallel to the North Branch Black River. Drive about 1 mile from Felchville.
Finding Twenty-Foot Hole
-
6. After about 1 mile, you’ll reach the crest of a small hill. Look for a trailhead on the south side of the road (left side if heading west).
-
7. The trail leading to Twenty-Foot Hole is somewhat steep, so wear sturdy footwear. Follow the trail to reach three blue-green pools, with the first pool known as Twenty-Foot Hole.
-
Parking Information
Parking is limited along Tyson Road, so be mindful of private property and ensure your vehicle is safely off the road. Look for pull-off areas or widened shoulders where parking may be possible.
-
Additional Notes
The trail can be slippery and steep in places, so exercise caution. Bring any supplies you may need, as there are no facilities at the . Respect the natural environment and pack out any trash. Have a safe visit to the Felchville Vermont !
Plan your visit
Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes works well as a day trip from Woodstock or Felchville. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include 3 Places and Cavendish Gorge. For the full list in Vermont, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, non-sanctioned natural area with no managed facilities. Parking is extremely limited along Tyson Road; use designated pull-offs only and respect all private property boundaries. The trail to the pools is steep and unmaintained. Access and conditions can change; visit at your own risk.
Top picks for this trip
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
A do-everything bottle that holds ice through a full hot day at the water.
Check price on
Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes
Gear we compare side by side for river swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes?
Yes. Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes near Woodstock, Felchville, and Reading in VT is a river pools swimming spot on North Branch Black River. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes 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 Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes?
Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes is in VT within day-trip range of Woodstock, Felchville, and Reading. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Culture & history
A beloved spot for generations, the swimming holes reflect Vermont’s tradition of outdoor recreation and connection to nature.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem. 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.