Clarendon Gorge Appalachian Trailhead parking
Parking lot
4 (1)
2000 VT-103, Shrewsbury, VT 05738
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Creek/GorgeVT
Clarendon Gorge Swimming Spots, Vermont
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
VRC confirms public swimming and fishing at Lower Clarendon Gorge State Forest, cared for by Vermont FPR. Changing water levels and drowning risk remain explicit; no jumping permission or surveyed entry claimed.
Swimming restriction
VRC confirms public swimming and fishing at Lower Clarendon Gorge State Forest, cared for by Vermont FPR. Changing water levels and drowning risk remain explicit; no jumping permission or surveyed entry claimed.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Creek/Gorge
Access
Informal
Fee
Confirm charges for the destination and activity; no general free swimming claim
Best season
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Clarendon
Water body
Mill River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Clarendon
Place-name search
Lower Clarendon Gorge: Public Access & Gorge Planning
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Plan for Lower Clarendon Gorge, not three invented stops
The surviving archive gives one Lower Clarendon approach. Vermont River Conservancy confirms public swimming and fishing and identifies Vermont FPR as caretaker. This review retains that public recreation evidence rather than calling the site wholly unverified.
Use the current Gorge Road approach
The source directs visitors via Route 103 and Route 7B South from Rutland, then Gorge Road. Park in the wide roadside space outside the travelled lane and use the described trail toward the river. The saved Appalachian Trailhead match does not identify this lower swimming entrance.
Public access is not a jumping guarantee
VRC warns of drowning risk and water levels changing at any time. Its route is not a measured accessible descent, depth survey or jump permit. Do not use bridge or cliff-jumping anecdotes as instructions.
Plan a low-impact visit
Dogs are allowed on leash and the source flags no cell service. Carry supplies, keep the bank natural and follow current signs. No toilet, drinking-water or lifeguard inventory is established. A trail-viewing outing remains a choice when water conditions are uncertain.
Getting There
Use VRC's Gorge Road parking guidance and trail toward the Mill River. From Rutland its route uses Route 103, Route 7B South and Gorge Road. Keep vehicles out of the travelled lane; do not substitute the separate Appalachian Trail suspension-bridge trailhead.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
VRC confirms public swimming and fishing at Lower Clarendon Gorge State Forest, cared for by Vermont FPR. Changing water levels and drowning risk remain explicit; no jumping permission or surveyed entry claimed.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
VRC confirms public swimming and fishing at Lower Clarendon Gorge State Forest, cared for by Vermont FPR. Changing water levels and drowning risk remain explicit; no jumping permission or surveyed entry claimed. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Clarendon Gorge Appalachian Trailhead
Hiking area
4.9 (72)
2000 VT-103, Shrewsbury, VT 05738
Country Village Campground
Campground
4.7 (71)
40 US-7, Leicester, VT 05733
Public showerRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Smoke Rise Campground
Campground
4.5 (69)
2145 Grove St, Brandon, VT 05733
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Chittenden Brook Campground
Campground
4.6 (31)
Chittenden, VT 05737
Public restroomRestroomTent sites
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
2.5 (13)
College Street, St Paul St at, Burlington, VT 05401
Green Mountain National Forest - Manchester Ranger Station
Government office
2538 Depot St, Manchester Center, VT 05255
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Clarendon Gorge Swimming Spots, Vermont
Is public swimming supported?
Yes. VRC lists public access and swimming at Lower Clarendon Gorge, with FPR as caretaker and explicit drowning warnings.
Does the legacy title verify three places?
No. The surviving archive supplies one lower-gorge approach, not three independently confirmed entrances.
Which approach should I research?
Use the current VRC Gorge Road directions, not the separate Appalachian Trail suspension-bridge trailhead match.
Can I bring my dog?
VRC lists dogs allowed on leash. Follow current signs and carry out waste.
Should I depend on cell coverage?
No. The source flags no cell service; prepare navigation and emergency arrangements before travel.
Does public swimming mean jumping is permitted?
No jumping permission or safe landing survey is established. Do not jump or dive from historical descriptions.
Highlights
Lower Clarendon Gorge: Public Access & Gorge Planning
Current source context
Historical routes kept separate
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use a rope swing based on historical descriptions
- Current conditions, depth, submerged hazards and water quality are not certified by this listing
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical visitor accounts are retained in archived directions, not presented as current permissions.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use permitted public viewpoints only; no site-matched gallery approved.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries and posted restrictions, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No measured or verified approach to an exact swimming entrance.
Fee
Confirm charges for the destination and activity; no general free swimming claim
Facilities
No verified exact swimming-entry inventory of toilets, drinking water, changing facilities or lifeguards.
Activities
Source-supported swimming subject to conditions; walking/viewing; no jumping clearance
Phone
Confirm current caretaker contact through the linked source
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Book an authorized campground separately; no camping permission at the historical water entry established.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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