Map — East Middlebury Gorge | New England Swimming Holes

Do not block travel lanes, farm gates, or emergency access.

Start here

Coordinates point to the primary access context—match satellite imagery and signage before you unload.

Parking

Road maps show the **Middlebury Gorge** bridge on Vermont Route 125 (East Main Street) over Otter Creek. Regional hiking descriptions reference informal shoulder parking and short river-edge approaches—**verify** current VTrans striping, town posting, neighbor driveways, and safe pull-off space the day you visit. Not a staffed swim beach. If no safe shoulder exists, skip the stop—do not block East Main Street traffic.

Directions

Navigate to Middlebury, Vermont. Use the button below for turn-by-turn to the pinned coordinates.

Open in Google Maps

Explore nearby spots

Other places in the catalog you may want to compare for access, water, and conditions.

Falls of LanaSwim: not recommended. Not appropriate at the main drops; risk is high at main tiers—wading only in calm, shallow pockets you verify. Multi-tier falls on Sucker Brook from the Falls of Lana trailhead (Route 53) near Salisbury—real hike, cold water, slick stone.View guide →
Texas FallsSwim: not possible. Not a swimming destination—entering the gorge for swimming would be extreme—fast water and slippery rock. Short GMNF picnic walk to a rocky gorge on Hancock Branch; viewing from designated paths only.View guide →
Bartlett FallsSwim: not recommended. Informal (unguarded). Risk: high. Roadside waterfall and pool on Lincoln Road near Bristol—cold water, slick rock, strong currents after rain, and jump-related risk; not a managed beach.View guide →
Bristol FallsSwim: not recommended. Primary context is the New Haven River falls/pool along the Lincoln Gap Road (VT-116 → Lincoln Gap Rd) corridor in Bristol: community trip reports describe informal shoulder pull-offs near the gorge—verify current striping, land posting, farm gates, and winter road status before you park. This is natural river-bank access, not a staffed swim facility. Cold water year-round; current and depth change quickly after rain and snowmelt. Wet rock stays slippery; there are no lifeguards. Confirm depth and hazards yourself before wading or jumping; supervise children within arm’s reach in moving water.View guide →
Clarendon GorgeSwim: 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.View guide →
Lareau Swim HoleSwim: allowed. Easy Mad River stop off Vermont Route 100 near Waitsfield: short walk from the pin, cold water, and busy fair-weather weekends. Families wade in some spots while others use ledges for jumping; tubes and floats show up when the river looks gentle. After rain, expect stronger current, more color, and slick rock.View guide →