Middlebury and Burlington VT Swimming Holes

About the Dog Team Tavern Swimming Hole

Tucked along a scenic bend of the New Haven River just outside Middlebury, Vermont, the Dog Team Tavern swimming hole is one of those quietly beloved local secrets that rewards those willing to seek it out. The site sits behind the former location of the historic Dog Team Tavern restaurant, a landmark that generations of Vermonters remember fondly. Today, the land carries that storied past while offering something timeless and simple: cold, clear water running through a lush river corridor, shaded by overhanging trees and framed by the gentle hills of Addison County.

The Setting and Landscape

You'll arrive to find a riverine world that feels genuinely removed from everyday life. The New Haven River carves a natural bend here, creating a sheltered swimming area where the current slows and the water deepens in places. Tall deciduous trees line the banks, their canopies filtering summer sunlight into dancing patterns on the water's surface. Native plants crowd the edges, and if you sit quietly long enough, you may spot wildlife — a great blue heron wading upstream, or a wood thrush calling from the forest behind you. The greenery is lush and layered, giving the spot a private, tucked-away quality that feels rare for a place so close to town. Photographers will find compositions everywhere: mossy rocks, crystalline riffles, and the soft play of light on moving water.

The Swimming Experience

The water here is quintessentially Vermont: refreshingly cold even in the height of summer, with the kind of clarity that lets you see every smooth stone on the riverbed below. The secluded river bend creates varied depths, meaning waders and stronger swimmers alike can find their comfort zone. Shallower riffles ease you in near the edges, while the deeper pool at the bend offers a proper swimming area for those wanting to fully immerse. There are no lifeguards or formal safety staff on site — this is an unofficial, natural swimming spot — so swim with awareness of current conditions, especially after heavy rain when water levels and flow can change quickly. The experience is unhurried and unstructured, the way the best swimming holes always are.

Practical Visit Information

Access is easy to moderate: expect a short walk from the parking area over terrain that can be uneven in spots, so wear sturdy footwear for the approach. Admission is free. There are no confirmed facilities on site, so come prepared — bring water, snacks, and a towel. The swimming hole is an unofficial spot, so practice leave-no-trace principles and pack out everything you bring in. Camping is not available at this location.

Plan Your Visit

Summer, from June through August, is the prime window for swimming and lingering by the water. Fall brings extraordinary foliage that transforms the surrounding landscape into a canvas of amber and crimson, making September and October wonderful for a scenic hike-in even if the water is too cold for a swim. Spring brings high, dynamic water flow that is dramatic to witness, though swimming is best left for warmer months. The Dog Team Tavern swimming hole is just a short drive from downtown Middlebury, with Burlington — Vermont's largest city — roughly 35 miles to the north, making it an easy day trip from either base.