Poultney River Swimming Holes
Swimming hole in Rutland, Vermont · River
Poultney River Swimming Holes is a river swimming hole. It is near Rutland, Vermont. Access is free. Best season: Spring through early summer offer fuller river conditions due to snowmelt, while late summer brings warmer water a strong choice for swimming.
Typical season: Spring through early summer offer fuller river conditions due to snowmelt, while late summer brings warmer water a strong choice for swimming
About Poultney River Swimming Holes
Poultney River Swimming Holes lies in Vermont. Visitors trade crowds for a quieter bank access.
Accessible from pull-outs along Route 140 east of East Poultney, these unofficial . No permit, no fee, no reservation.
Just show up, find your patch of riverbank, and let the current do the rest. The Setting The Poultney River moves through a landscape that feels quietly unhurried. Lush vegetation crowds the banks. Willow and alder leaning toward the water, tall grasses softening the edges of the rocky shore. The surrounding hills roll and fold in the way Vermont's terrain tends to, and in autumn those hillsides ignite in amber, crimson, and gold, turning a simple swim into something you'll be talking about for years. Birds work the shallows, fish hold in the deeper eddies, and the sound of moving water fills whatever silence the road doesn't. There is no concession stand, no changing room, no lifeguard. Just the river and the trees and the sky above them. Shallow riffles make for easy wading, while deeper pools invite full immersion and unhurried floating. Spring and early summer bring fuller, faster flows fed by snowmelt from the surrounding hills. Exhilarating, but worth approaching with care.
Swim at your own risk at Poultney River Swimming Holes. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- River
- Water body
- Poultney River
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Rutland
- State
- Vermont
- Best season
- Spring through early summer offer fuller river conditions due to snowmelt, while late summer brings warmer water a strong choice for swimming. Autumn provides stunning foliage for scenic visits.
- Access difficulty
- Easy to moderate. Terrain near the river can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended. No formal trails but accessible pull-outs make it simple to find a spot.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No formal amenities are available. You should bring their own supplies, including water and snacks, and be prepared for a rustic experience.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Spring through early summer offer fuller river conditions due to snowmelt, while late summer brings warmer water a strong choice for swimming. Autumn provides stunning foliage for scenic visits.
- Access Easy to moderate. Terrain near the river can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended. No formal trails but accessible pull-outs make it simple to find a spot.
- Facilities No formal amenities are available. You should bring their own supplies, including water and snacks, and be prepared for a rustic experience.
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming
- Picturesque riverbanks with lush vegetation
- Wildlife viewing opportunities including birds and fish
- Accessible pull-outs along Route 140
- No fees or permits required for access
- Untouched natural setting with no commercial development
- Variety of swimming conditions from shallow wading to deep pools
- Proximity to historic towns and landmarks
How to get there
Poultney River Swimming Holes lies in Vermont near Rutland, Poultney, and East Poultney. 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.
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Starting Point: Rutland, VT
Begin your journey in Rutland, VT.
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Take Route 4 (US-4) west toward Castleton.
After about 10 miles, turn left onto Route 30 (VT-30) south toward Poultney. Continue on Route 30 for about 15 miles until you reach the town of Poultney.
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From Poultney to East Poultney
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5. In Poultney, turn left onto Route 140 (VT-140) east toward East Poultney and Middletown Springs.
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6. Drive along Route 140 for about 3 miles, passing through East Poultney. Locating
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7. As you continue on Route 140, the road will run parallel to the Poultney River. Keep an eye out for pull-off areas along the roadside. These pull-outs often provide access to the river and . Specific First
Look for a pull-out area about 1 mile east of East Poultney. This spot has a small parking area and a short trail leading down to the river. Second : Continue driving east on Route 140 for another mile. You’ll find another pull-out on the right-hand side with space for parking. This area provides easy access to the riverbank.
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Parking and Access Tips
Parking is limited at these pull-outs, so arrive early to secure a spot. Be cautious when pulling off the road, as some areas may have uneven terrain. Trails leading to the river are generally short but may be steep or rocky in places, so wear appropriate footwear.
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Additional Notes
These . Plan accordingly and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the area’s beauty. Exercise caution when swimming, as river currents and depths can vary. Have a safe visit to the Poultney River !
Plan your visit
Poultney River Swimming Holes works well as a day trip from Rutland or Poultney. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include Cavendish Gorge and Ompompanoosuc River Swimming Spots In Vermont. For the full list in Vermont, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via unofficial roadside pull-offs along VT-140 east of East Poultney. Parking is limited and terrain can be uneven. No facilities (restrooms, trash bins) are present. The swimming holes are not officially maintained or sanctioned.
Top picks for this trip
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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.
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What to pack for Poultney River Swimming Holes
Gear we compare side by side for river swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Poultney River Swimming Holes?
Yes. Poultney River Swimming Holes near Rutland, Poultney, and East Poultney in VT is a river swimming spot on Poultney River. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Poultney River 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 Poultney River Swimming Holes?
Poultney River Swimming Holes is in VT within day-trip range of Rutland, Poultney, and East Poultney. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
The area reflects the heritage of Vermont’s rural communities and is near the historic town of Poultney, once home to Green Mountain College.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect the natural environment to preserve the site.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.