Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Along Route 100 in Vermont
Route 100 is one of the easiest Vermont road-trip spines to plan around, especially if you want a mix of swimming holes and waterfall stops on the same day. This list stays focused on the stretch that works best for real pull-offs, quick swims, and classic Mad River Valley detours.
Distances can look short on the map, but summer traffic, narrow parking, and wet ledges can change your pace fast. Use this page to sketch the route, then check each guide before you commit to stops.
#1 Moss Glen Falls — Stowe
A fast Stowe waterfall stop with a big photo payoff.
- Swim
- Not recommended
- Walk
- 10-15 min
#2 Mad River Path (West Greenway) — Waitsfield
Meadow Road trailhead near Route 100—walk the West Greenway and pick your own Mad River access points along the corridor.
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- Minutes from the trailhead to first river views; longer if you explore several stops along the path
#3 Lareau Swim Hole — Waitsfield
Short roadside approach on the Mad River—plan for cold water, mixed use (waders, floaters, jumpers), and summer crowds.
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- Often a short walk from typical parking to the river edge
#4 Warren Falls — Warren
Swim: allowed. Roadside-access waterfall and swimming area on the Mad River in Warren, Vermont (Mad River Valley), with…
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- 5 min
#5 Punch Bowl Swimming Hole — Waitsfield
A well-known Mad River Valley swim spot with access caveats.
- Swim
- Swimming and sliding in lower flow
- Walk
- 5 min
#6 Dog River Jacuzzi — Northfield
Town-managed Dog River stop near Northfield Falls—park at the Route 12 fire department lot, short bank walk to a tight… (Berlin, Vermont).
- Swim
- Allowed
- Walk
- A short walk down the bank from the fire department parking