Keep Cool in the Green Mountains

When the summer sun sits high in the sky, it’s time to head to the water to cool off. These Vermont swimming holes are local to the Stratton and Manchester area. Take a few steps out to dip your toes, float on an inner tube as you take in the Green Mountains from behind your sunglasses, or rent a kayak from First Run Sports in the Village and get your paddle on for some water-centric fitness. For rest and relaxation or water fun and fitness, check out any of these local swimming holes to cool off in when the heat is on.

Gale Meadows State Park

It is easily accessed off of Vermont Route 30 from the hamlet of Bondville. It is called a pond but it’s really big , it is more like a lake. You can kayak or fish here, the area is beautiful with a small parking area and boat launch with bathroom facilities and a dam for more fishing. Crystal clean water, with lots of wildlife. Beautiful surroundings and an amazing view of Bromley Mountain. (About a 14-minute drive)

Emerald Lake State Park

Located in Dorset, Vermont, this 430 acre Park along the side of Dorset Mountain offers picnicking, camping, showers, swimming, refreshments, bathhouse, nature trails, and excellent bass fishing. (Located in Dorset VT about 28 Minute drive)

Jamaica State Park

Located in Jamaica, Vermont on the West River, this Park offers a swimming area, picnic shelter, nature center, camping, showers, footpaths, and trout fishing. (Located in Jamaica Vt off Rte 30 about a 17-minute drive from Stratton) 

Hapgood Pond Recreation Area- USDA Forest Service

Hapgood Pons is situated next to its scenic namesake pond, 13 miles east of Manchester Vermont, Visitors Enjoy camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and hiking. The Pond itself is 12 acres in size & 12 ft at its deepest point nestled in a wooded setting with a 1 Mile nature trail. (Located in Peru Vt about 22-minute drive from Stratton)

Townshend State Park

Located in Townshend, Vermont at the foot of Bald Mountain on a bend of the West River, this Park offers swimming, picnicking, camping and more. About a 35 minute drive from Stratton , (about 35 minute drive from Stratton off rte 30)

Shaftsbury State Park

Located within the 2800 acre Bomoseen State Forest with hiking trails, limited swimming, great fishing and more is a relatively small Park. (about 40 minute from Stratton drive off 7A)

Grout Pond

This beautiful and secluded pond is located in the middle of the Green Mountains, in the Town of Stratton, off Forest Road 262. and circled with wooded campsites that are best accessed by canoe. (About a 15-minute drive from Stratton) 

Stratton Mt Lake

This beautiful and secluded pond is located in the middle of the Green Mountains, at Stratton in Winhall Vt, off North Branch Rd. Great place to swim and paddle Board. (About a 5-minute drive from Stratton) 

Dorset Marble Quarry

First mined in 1785, this massive 60-foot-deep swimming hole makes for a fun day in the sun. (Located off route 30 in Dorset about a 30-minute drive from Stratton)