Mill Street Parking
Parking lot
5 (1)
12 Mill St, Middlebury, VT 05753
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
LakeVT
Middlebury Area
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a named Lake Dunmore beach visit near Middlebury, understand Branbury's season, fees and water testing, and distinguish Otter Creek trails from swimming access.
Swimming restriction
For a beach outing, use Branbury's designated Lake Dunmore swimming area and current park guidance. Vermont State Parks provides lifeguards only at Button Bay pool, not Branbury. Wright Park and TAM walking permission is not verified swimming or jumping permission.
Water type
Lake
Access
Informal
Fee
Branbury is a fee area. Current state daily admission lists $5 for ages 14 and older, $2 for ages 4-13, and free for ages 0-3. These are Branbury/state-park planning rates, not one regional fee or a claim about off-season access. Camping and rentals are separate.
Best season
Plan around the chosen destination's operating schedule and conditions, not a region-wide ideal swimming month. Branbury's 2026 staffed operating season has ended
Nearby towns
Middlebury; Nearby Beach Destination In Salisbury
Water body
Lake Dunmore Beach Destination; Otter Creek Trail Context Is Separate
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Middlebury; Nearby Beach Destination In Salisbury
Access location not verified
MIDDLEBURY; nearby beach destination in SALISBURY, VT
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access 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
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- 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.
Middlebury area: choose a named destination
This is a regional planning guide, not one swimming hole. The existing record has no specific historical multi-stop itinerary or verified water entrance. Choose a destination before driving; a Middlebury town point does not identify a beach, gorge or public riverbank.
Lake Dunmore beach at Branbury
Branbury State Park in Salisbury is a documented nearby beach destination at 3570 Lake Dunmore Road. It has a natural sandy Lake Dunmore beach, picnic space and park facilities. These are Branbury details, not amenities at every Middlebury-area river stop. Contact the park at 802-247-5925 for current arrangements.
Seasonal operation is not a water-safety promise
The state's published 2026 schedule lists Branbury from May 8 through October 12. As of this October 14 review, that operating season has ended. Confirm any off-season access directly; do not assume the regular 10 a.m.-to-sunset day-use schedule, toilets, rentals or staffing continue unchanged. The schedule alone does not establish a blanket year-round prohibition on visiting.
Budget and prepare for the beach
Fees, camping and facilities belong to the park
The state fee page lists ordinary daily entry at $5 for ages 14 and older, $2 for ages 4-13 and free for ages 0-3. Recheck current charges and passes before travel. Branbury has separate reservable campsites and lean-tos; camping permission should not be extended to town riverbanks or walking trails. Its park page describes toilets, running water and token-operated showers, but their present off-season availability has not been verified. Pets are not permitted on Branbury's sandy beach or in its designated swimming area.
No lifeguards or assumed October water clearance
Vermont State Parks swimming guidance says lifeguards are provided only at Button Bay pool, not Branbury. It also explains that swim-water testing occurs during park operating seasons and ends no later than September 30. Read the date and scope of any posted result; an earlier passing sample does not establish today's conditions. Supervise children and check current beach notices. This guide makes no natural-slide, jumping or family-safe-current recommendation.
Separate river-view walks near Middlebury
Wright Park and the TAM are trail destinations
Middlebury Area Land Trust's Wright Park guide describes Otter Creek views, woods and trail loops. Use the signed southern parking off Seymour Street Extension or the north entrance at the end of Belden Falls Road. Those directions are for walking, not a verified swimming entrance or bridge-jumping route.
The Trail Around Middlebury crosses private land by permission. Stay on designated trails and check the route's permitted uses and current conditions. A river view, trail easement or stroller-friendly trail label does not establish accessible water entry or bathing permission.
Why the town photo collection is not a swim gallery
The saved Google match identifies Middlebury as a town. Its photographs, generic town coordinates and business-status flag do not identify Branbury or every nearby water stop. No town photograph has been presented as a verified regional swimming entrance.
Getting There
Choose the specific destination before driving. Branbury State Park is at 3570 Lake Dunmore Road, Salisbury, VT 05769; use its official directions and check current access. For a separate Wright Park walk, MALT directs visitors to the signed lot off Seymour Street Extension or the north entrance at the end of Belden Falls Road. Trail parking is not swimming access. A Middlebury town pin or US 7 approach does not identify a water entrance.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
This is a regional guide with no single entrance. Branbury's in-season day-use hours are 10 a.m. to official sunset; the 2026 schedule lists October 12 as its season end. Confirm off-season arrangements directly. MALT trail permissions depend on the specific route and landowner and do not establish water-entry rights.
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
For a beach outing, use Branbury's designated Lake Dunmore swimming area and current park guidance. Vermont State Parks provides lifeguards only at Button Bay pool, not Branbury. Wright Park and TAM walking permission is not verified swimming or jumping permission. 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
309 Court Street Parking
Parking lot
309 Court St, Middlebury, VT 05753
Porter Medical Center Parking
Parking lot
Porter Express Care, Middlebury, VT 05753
Chipman Hill TAM Trailhead
Hiking area
5 (1)
504 Washington St Ext, Middlebury, VT 05753
Battell Woods
Park
4.7 (42)
US-7, Middlebury, VT 05753
Abbey Pond Trailhead
Hiking area
4.3 (32)
283-499 Abbey Pond Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753
Limehurst Lake Campground
Campground
4.3 (204)
4104 VT-14, Williamstown, VT 05679
Brewster River Campground
Campground
4.8 (229)
289 Campground Dr, Jeffersonville, VT 05464
Frequently Asked Questions About Middlebury Area
Is Middlebury Area one swimming hole?
No. This is a regional guide with no single verified water-entry point or named historical multi-stop route. Choose a specific destination rather than navigating to town-center coordinates.
Where is a documented natural beach near Middlebury?
Branbury State Park has a Lake Dunmore beach at 3570 Lake Dunmore Road, Salisbury. Confirm current access and services at 802-247-5925. Its facilities and rules do not apply to every nearby river or gorge.
Is Branbury operating through October 2026?
The published state schedule lists May 8 through October 12, 2026. That operating season has ended as of this review. Confirm any off-season visit directly; the season end is not proof of a blanket year-round access prohibition.
What are the beach fees and camping arrangements?
Current state daily entry lists $5 for ages 14 and older, $2 for ages 4-13 and free for ages 0-3. Check current rates and passes. Branbury camping requires separate arrangements; no camping permission is inferred for riverbanks, Wright Park or TAM trails.
Does Branbury have lifeguards and current water testing?
State guidance provides lifeguards only at Button Bay pool, not Branbury. Swim-water testing runs during operating seasons and ends no later than September 30. Read each result's date; a historical pass is not October water clearance.
Can I swim from Wright Park or the Trail Around Middlebury?
MALT's sources describe walking routes and river scenery, not a designated swim entrance. Trail permission, bridge access or a river view does not establish swimming, jumping or accessible water-entry permission.
Highlights
Named Lake Dunmore beach planning
Operating season and water-testing limits
Beach fees separated from trail visits
Otter Creek scenery without an invented swim entrance
Unique Features
Branbury beach and Middlebury walking options distinguished
Private-land trail permissions explained
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Branbury has no lifeguards
- Supervise children, use the designated swim area and check notices and dated results
- State swim testing runs during operating seasons and ends no later than September 30, so an older pass is not October water clearance
- No natural waterslide, plunge-pool or jumping recommendation is verified here
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
This guide distinguishes a state-managed Lake Dunmore beach from land-trust walking routes near Middlebury. Claims about regional healing waters or historic swim rituals are not established.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use permitted beach or trail viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. No generic town collection is verified as every nearby beach, gorge or river entrance.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow signed access and the chosen land manager's rules. MALT trails cross private land by permission; stay on the route, avoid creating bank paths and carry out litter. At Branbury, pets are not allowed on the sandy beach or in the designated swimming area.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Plan around the chosen destination's operating schedule and conditions, not a region-wide ideal swimming month. Branbury's 2026 staffed operating season has ended; confirm current access and available services.
Difficulty Level
Named beach access and trail routes differ. No blanket all-ages, easy-bank, safe-depth or accessible-water-entry claim applies across the region.
Fee
Branbury is a fee area. Current state daily admission lists $5 for ages 14 and older, $2 for ages 4-13, and free for ages 0-3. These are Branbury/state-park planning rates, not one regional fee or a claim about off-season access. Camping and rentals are separate.
Facilities
Branbury's park page describes flush toilets, running water and token-operated showers, plus seasonal boat rentals. Availability after its operating season is not established. Do not transfer these amenities to Wright Park, the TAM or unnamed river holes. Ask the park about current beach-wheelchair arrangements rather than assuming universal water access.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
802-247-5925 (Branbury State Park, a separate named destination)
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
Branbury lists 36 tent/RV sites and 7 lean-to sites with separate reservations and seasonal operation. No camping permission is inferred for Wright Park, TAM trails, town riverbanks or unnamed swimming holes.
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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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