Vermont · Swimming Holes
Clarendon Gorge
Swim: not recommended. **Lower Clarendon Gorge** on the Mill River is Vermont **FPR** public land (listed as Lower Clarendon Gorge State Park / State Forest depending on the official page). Vermont River Conservancy summaries describe parking along **Gorge Road** and a foot approach on an old roadbed toward the river—confirm the current **fpr.vermont.gov** trail map, gate status, and any seasonal closures before you go. Coordinates center **Gorge Road** in East Clarendon as a road reference—parking may be spread along the shoulder, so read each sign before you stop. Cold water and powerful hydraulics are possible after rain; wet schist and ledges stay slippery. There are no lifeguards. Cliff jumping is a personal risk choice—verify depth and hazards yourself. Supervise children closely and stay within your group’s skill level.
Mill River gorge at Lower Clarendon Gorge (Vermont FPR)—Gorge Road parking and foot approach to the river.
Clarendon · Rutland County
Photo to follow
First Time Here
**Lower Clarendon Gorge** on the Mill River is Vermont **FPR** public land (listed as Lower Clarendon Gorge State Park / State Forest depending on the official page). Vermont River Conservancy summaries describe parking along **Gorge Road** and a foot approach on an old roadbed toward the river—confirm the current **fpr.vermont.gov** trail map, gate status, and any seasonal closures before you go. Coordinates center **Gorge Road** in East Clarendon as a road reference—parking may be spread along the shoulder, so read each sign before you stop.
Cold water and powerful hydraulics are possible after rain; wet schist and ledges stay slippery. There are no lifeguards. Cliff jumping is a personal risk choice—verify depth and hazards yourself. Supervise children closely and stay within your group’s skill level.
Flow, posting, and neighbor context change with the season—use this page as orientation, then verify on site.
Should You Go
Good for
- Visitors comfortable with cold moving water and natural, uneven footing
- Groups that will read Conditions then still judge each access on site
- People willing to follow posted access and neighbor context
Skip if
- You need lifeguards or a managed pool
- High water or storms make you uneasy—wait for another day
- You want lifeguarded water and zero ambiguity about rules before you arrive
Safety on site
Cold water and powerful hydraulics are possible after rain; wet schist and ledges stay slippery. There are no lifeguards. Cliff jumping is a personal risk choice—verify depth and hazards yourself. Supervise children closely and stay within your group’s skill level. This guide is independent—posted rules and land managers always win; verify access the day you visit.
Map & Trail
**Lower Clarendon Gorge** on the Mill River is Vermont **FPR** public land (listed as Lower Clarendon Gorge State Park / State Forest depending on the official page). Vermont River Conservancy summaries describe parking along **Gorge Road** and a foot approach on an old roadbed toward the river—confirm the current **fpr.vermont.gov** trail map, gate status, and any seasonal closures before you go. Coordinates center **Gorge Road** in East Clarendon as a road reference—parking may be spread along the shoulder, so read each sign before you stop. Driving directions aim for that Gorge Road reach—walk the old roadbed only from a spot that is clearly legal.
- Natural river access—footing and posting change with season and weather.
- Confirm trail names, distances, and seasonal closures against official sources when you can.
Gallery
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