Brattleboro Vermont’s West River

People who prefer a wild swimming experience without amenities or lifeguards can find clear cold water in Southeastern Vermont’s West River, which offers many swimming holes and tubing opportunities. Water shoes are recommended and swimmers should be aware of possible strong currents. The river offers a rocky bottom and occasional small sand and gravel beaches.

The best way to find the best swimming holes is to drive Route 30 north from Brattleboro on a hot afternoon and see where the other swimmers have parked their vehicles. West River is a 53-mile long tributary into the Connecticut River. Water levels fluctuate with the weather. Expect to encounter fishermen, kayakers and tubers.