There is no shortage of stunning swimming holes in Vermont. Choose between crystal clear lakes, waterfall-fed pools, or lazy rivers. There is one natural spot that we think deserves some attention today not just because it is so gorgeous or loads of fun, but it takes us back to the good ole days when times were simpler. This natural swimming hole in Vermont will take you back to the good ol’ days. The Bolton Potholes in Vermont are a timeless natural wonder worth jumping into.

Bolton Potholes are a series of three cascading waterfalls that each drop into their own unique pool. This natural water playground is known as Bolton Falls Vermont and is found in the town of Bolton.

Flickr/Conrad Bakker

The tumbling cascades have a 45-foot drop as they zig zag down the the rock face pausing to deposit crisp fresh water in each of the pools.

YouTube/VTFALLS

The unique rock formations set the stage for the stunning beauty of this swimming spot. The potholes are filled with deep emerald green water that begs you to refresh yourself on a hot summer day.

FourSquare/Christopher C.

Where the upper two potholes are more fitting for adult swimmers, the third waterfall dumps into a narrow river channel that slows the water flow as it enters the third pool. Children will find this area most suited for splashing around. This natural swimming hole in Vermont can’t be beat for swimmer of all ages.

YouTube/VTFALLS

Also at the bottom, you will find a rocky beach and other large flat rocks suited for sunbathing and exploring. This very well may be the best swimming hole in Vermont.

YouTube/VTFALLS

Remember when visiting local swimming holes to take out what you bring in, the only thing you should leave behind is a stone monument to commemorate your fun-filled day.

FourSquare/Christopher C. To visit the falls, park in the small designated parking area downstream near US-2. Hike up the Bolton Valley Access Rd. for 0.2 miles and take a trail on the right to find the Bolton Potholes.

Take a short tour of Bolton Potholes in this video by YouTube user VTFALLS.

Flickr/Conrad Bakker

YouTube/VTFALLS

FourSquare/Christopher C.

To visit the falls, park in the small designated parking area downstream near US-2. Hike up the Bolton Valley Access Rd. for 0.2 miles and take a trail on the right to find the Bolton Potholes.



Have you ever experienced this refreshing swimming spot? Or do you have another swimming hole that is your favorite? Is it this waterfall-fed pool? Or could it be this secluded natural swimming spot? Let us know where you like to cool down on a hot summer day in the comments section below.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Bolton Potholes, 1 Bolton Valley Access Rd, Bolton, VT 05676, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Bolton Potholes in Vermont May 22, 2022 Christy Articola Bolton Potholes in Vermont is clearly a very special place. Where else can I see waterfalls in The Green Mountain State? There are waterfalls all over the state of Vermont! Some are small and serene; others are large and impressive. If you’re a waterfall fanatic, you might consider taking this waterfall road trip to see nine of them: The Ultimate Vermont Waterfall Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It.  Best of all, many of them also feature some of the best swimming holes in Vermont also, just like Bolton Falls Vermont! Where is Bolton, Vermont, anyway? Bolton is easy to get to from any direction and it is right in the middle of several of the state’s most well-known and frequently visited towns.  It’s right between Burlington and Waterbury, and it’s not far from Barre and Montpelier, too. So, if you’re visiting any of those great destinations, be sure to make a quick detour to check out Bolton Potholes. What else is there to do in this area in the great outdoors? Vermont in the summer is full of activity and action! There are so many fun things to do outside in Vermont during the warm and sunny summer months. Here’s a list of great ideas statewide: 17 Things You Really Have To Do In Vermont This Summer. If somehow you have done all of those things already, here’s another post to give you even more ideas (Bolton Potholes is on this list also!): 15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Vermont Summer Bucket List.  Get out there and have a Vermont girl (or boy) summer!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Bolton Potholes in Vermont

May 22, 2022

Christy Articola

Bolton Potholes in Vermont is clearly a very special place. Where else can I see waterfalls in The Green Mountain State? There are waterfalls all over the state of Vermont! Some are small and serene; others are large and impressive. If you’re a waterfall fanatic, you might consider taking this waterfall road trip to see nine of them: The Ultimate Vermont Waterfall Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It.  Best of all, many of them also feature some of the best swimming holes in Vermont also, just like Bolton Falls Vermont! Where is Bolton, Vermont, anyway? Bolton is easy to get to from any direction and it is right in the middle of several of the state’s most well-known and frequently visited towns.  It’s right between Burlington and Waterbury, and it’s not far from Barre and Montpelier, too. So, if you’re visiting any of those great destinations, be sure to make a quick detour to check out Bolton Potholes. What else is there to do in this area in the great outdoors? Vermont in the summer is full of activity and action! There are so many fun things to do outside in Vermont during the warm and sunny summer months. Here’s a list of great ideas statewide: 17 Things You Really Have To Do In Vermont This Summer. If somehow you have done all of those things already, here’s another post to give you even more ideas (Bolton Potholes is on this list also!): 15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Vermont Summer Bucket List.  Get out there and have a Vermont girl (or boy) summer!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are waterfalls all over the state of Vermont! Some are small and serene; others are large and impressive. If you’re a waterfall fanatic, you might consider taking this waterfall road trip to see nine of them: The Ultimate Vermont Waterfall Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It.  Best of all, many of them also feature some of the best swimming holes in Vermont also, just like Bolton Falls Vermont!

Where is Bolton, Vermont, anyway?

Bolton is easy to get to from any direction and it is right in the middle of several of the state’s most well-known and frequently visited towns.  It’s right between Burlington and Waterbury, and it’s not far from Barre and Montpelier, too. So, if you’re visiting any of those great destinations, be sure to make a quick detour to check out Bolton Potholes.

What else is there to do in this area in the great outdoors?

Vermont in the summer is full of activity and action! There are so many fun things to do outside in Vermont during the warm and sunny summer months. Here’s a list of great ideas statewide: 17 Things You Really Have To Do In Vermont This Summer. If somehow you have done all of those things already, here’s another post to give you even more ideas (Bolton Potholes is on this list also!): 15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Vermont Summer Bucket List.  Get out there and have a Vermont girl (or boy) summer!