Best Swimming Holes From Brattleboro
Brattleboro is one of the best southern Vermont bases for river swimming, especially if you want a mix of quick local dips and longer West River outings. This page keeps the focus on real swimming spots you can plan around from town.
Some are easy afternoon stops, while others work better as a Route 30 or day-trip add-on. Open each guide before you go for parking limits, cold-water cautions, and posted rules that can change the feel fast in summer.
#1 Cornfield Swimming Hole — Brattleboro
Informal West River bar off Route 30 north of Brattleboro—shoulder pull-off after I-91, short worn path, wide shallow bars…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- Short informal walk from the Route 30 pull-off to the river bar
#2 Rock River Swimming Holes — Newfane
Windham County Rock River pools from signed Route 30 recreation pull-offs—short rocky trail, limited parking, mountain-fed…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 5-10 min
#3 Salmon Hole (West River) — Jamaica
Developed West River swim beach inside Jamaica State Park near Salmon Hole Lane—park fees, cold moving water, posted swim…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- Usually a short walk from signed park parking to the beach
#4 Jamaica State Park River Swim Area — Jamaica
A public West River swim stop with clearer access than most local holes.
- Swim
- River swimming and wading in lower flow
- Walk
- 5-10 min
#5 Green River Meadows — Guilford
A calm scenic public river page with southern Vermont breadth.
- Swim
- Wading and swimming
- Walk
- 5 min
#6 Brockways Mills Gorge — Rockingham
Williams River dam and cascade complex at Brockways Mills—circular lot per trip reports, steep path, cold tailwater and dam…
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- Short steep path from the circular parking area described in trip reports