Poultney River Swimming Holes

About the Poultney River Swimming Holes

Tucked into the gentle hill country of Rutland County, the Poultney River swimming holes offer something increasingly rare in a world of crowded, over-managed recreation spots: a genuinely wild place to cool off. Accessible from pull-outs along Route 140 east of East Poultney, these unofficial swimming spots ask nothing of you — no permit, no fee, no reservation. Just show up, find your patch of riverbank, and let the current do the rest.

The Setting

The Poultney River moves through a landscape that feels quietly unhurried. Lush vegetation crowds the banks — willow and alder leaning toward the water, tall grasses softening the edges of the rocky shore. The surrounding hills roll and fold in the way Vermont's terrain tends to, and in autumn those hillsides ignite in amber, crimson, and gold, turning a simple swim into something you'll be talking about for years. Birds work the shallows, fish hold in the deeper eddies, and the sound of moving water fills whatever silence the road doesn't. There is no concession stand, no changing room, no lifeguard — just the river and the trees and the sky above them.

The Swimming Experience

The Poultney River offers a range of conditions depending on where you wade in and when you visit. Shallow riffles make for easy wading, while deeper pools invite full immersion and unhurried floating. The water is clear, the kind of clarity that lets you watch your own feet on the riverbed. Spring and early summer bring fuller, faster flows fed by snowmelt from the surrounding hills — exhilarating, but worth approaching with care. By late summer the river settles into its warmest, most forgiving state, perfect for long lazy afternoons in the water. The terrain along the banks is uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is a smart call when picking your way to the water's edge. There are no formal trails, but the accessible pull-outs along Route 140 make finding a good entry point straightforward.

Plan Your Visit

Because these are unofficial swimming sites, facilities are unknown — plan as though there are none, and pack everything you'll need: water, snacks, a towel, and a trash bag to carry out what you carry in. Access is free. The nearest towns — East Poultney, Poultney, and Rutland — each offer their own character and practical amenities. East Poultney is a short drive away and sits at the heart of Vermont's slate heritage, with handsome historic architecture worth a stroll. Poultney itself has dining options and local shops to round out a day trip, while Rutland, the largest of the three, gives you the full range of lodging, restaurants, and grocery stores if you're planning a longer stay in the region. Come for the swim, linger for the surroundings.