Swim Holes
There are many swim 'spots' along the Mad River which runs the length of the valley floor. Below are a few of the bigger ones that have deeper pools.
Warren Falls
An old mill site turned swimming hole. Three levels of pools with many rock outcrops to jump from. For smaller children, follow the paths to the river at the very bottom of the 3 waterfalls and pools. Know that climbing among the rock and pools can be dangerous. Since the parking lot was installed it has gotten quite busy in Summer but worth a visit, even if it is just to have a look, if you can find a spot.
An old mill site turned swimming hole. Three levels of pools with many rock outcrops to jump from. For smaller children, follow the paths to the river at the very bottom of the 3 waterfalls and pools. Know that climbing among the rock and pools can be dangerous. Since the parking lot was installed it has gotten quite busy in Summer but worth a visit, even if it is just to have a look, if you can find a spot.
Lareau Swim Hole
This is a nice swim hole for smaller children and adults. It has a nice size grass area if you want to bring a game as well as a 'beach' area alongside the river. The current is not very strong along the beach and for those that wish to swim across to the large rock formation, there are some jumping 'platforms', just pay attention to the water depth the higher you go.
It is located on the right as you head into Waitsfield on Rt. 100
This is a nice swim hole for smaller children and adults. It has a nice size grass area if you want to bring a game as well as a 'beach' area alongside the river. The current is not very strong along the beach and for those that wish to swim across to the large rock formation, there are some jumping 'platforms', just pay attention to the water depth the higher you go.
It is located on the right as you head into Waitsfield on Rt. 100
Waitsfield Covered Bridge - Great Eddie
This is a favorite among the local kids, there IS NO EASY WAY into the water, except for jumping off the bridge abutment and I do not recommend it for small children. The Sweet Spot, sandwiches, adult drinks, baked goods etc is located river side with outdoor chairs to watch the activity as well. For small children, you can walk upstream 100 yards to a river bottom 'beach' area and swim in some small pools there.
Go to the base of Lincoln Gap Rd. and turn left on Rt. 100 and continue to Waitsfield. Bridge St. will be on the right when you reach the far end of town. There is a large parking area on the right just before you reach Bridge St. You can also turn on Bridge St. and take the 1st right (looks like an alley) and that will also take you into the parking area.
This is a favorite among the local kids, there IS NO EASY WAY into the water, except for jumping off the bridge abutment and I do not recommend it for small children. The Sweet Spot, sandwiches, adult drinks, baked goods etc is located river side with outdoor chairs to watch the activity as well. For small children, you can walk upstream 100 yards to a river bottom 'beach' area and swim in some small pools there.
Go to the base of Lincoln Gap Rd. and turn left on Rt. 100 and continue to Waitsfield. Bridge St. will be on the right when you reach the far end of town. There is a large parking area on the right just before you reach Bridge St. You can also turn on Bridge St. and take the 1st right (looks like an alley) and that will also take you into the parking area.
"Locals Secret"
This spot is a little known, un-promoted swim hole, so it's generally quiet and very peaceful. A great spot to go if you just want to sit in the pool and cool off and enjoy the surroundings. It is a small pool but possible to jump from the rocks on either side if you wish. If you are interested in visiting this spot, send me a text and I will tell you how to get there.
This spot is a little known, un-promoted swim hole, so it's generally quiet and very peaceful. A great spot to go if you just want to sit in the pool and cool off and enjoy the surroundings. It is a small pool but possible to jump from the rocks on either side if you wish. If you are interested in visiting this spot, send me a text and I will tell you how to get there.
Bristol Falls (Not in the MRV)
This one has rock jumps for the fearless, just be mindful of the water depth and where you jump. If you can swim upstream or jump and cross the river, then climb out, it is possible to walk behind the falls (it is slippery, so tricky). With small children, it is possible to walk your way down to the river and walk in to the deeper water without jumping. Located on the other end of Lincoln Gap Rd. The easiest way to find the actual falls is to make a left out of the driveway and over the mountain to the other end of the road, it intersects with Rt 116. Just before you pull up to the stop sign, make a left into a dirt parking area; this is a few hundred yards past the falls. Head back up the road and you will see them on the right. Park anywhere along the road you can find a place.
This one has rock jumps for the fearless, just be mindful of the water depth and where you jump. If you can swim upstream or jump and cross the river, then climb out, it is possible to walk behind the falls (it is slippery, so tricky). With small children, it is possible to walk your way down to the river and walk in to the deeper water without jumping. Located on the other end of Lincoln Gap Rd. The easiest way to find the actual falls is to make a left out of the driveway and over the mountain to the other end of the road, it intersects with Rt 116. Just before you pull up to the stop sign, make a left into a dirt parking area; this is a few hundred yards past the falls. Head back up the road and you will see them on the right. Park anywhere along the road you can find a place.