There is a specific kind of summer day where the only reasonable plan is to spend it by the water.
The good news is that around here you have options: Lake Champlain, rivers, waterfalls, swimming holes, ponds and beaches! Here are the spots we keep coming back to, and how to make the most of each one.
Paddle out on Lake Champlain
If you have your own boat, launch from Shelburne Bay. It is calm, easy to get in and out of with a dedicated kayak launch, and the water opens up fast once you clear the point.
No boat? The Community Sailing Center on the Burlington waterfront rents kayaks and paddleboards. We like to go around sunset when we can! The Adirondacks turn purple across the water and it is one of the best free shows in the state.
Hop in a swimming hole at Bolton Potholes
Bolton Potholes is worth the drive and the hike to get to. A series of deep pools carved into the rock, a waterfall feeding the top, and cold, clear water that snaps you awake in the best way.
It gets busy on hot weekends, so go early if you want a spot to yourself. Be smart and swim here at your own risk. The water depth changes with the season and conditions change frequently.
Claim a rock at Oakledge Park
Just through the forest on western side of the park sit Flat rock ledges right at the waterline, plenty of room to spread out, and some of the best sunset views in Burlington.
Get there in the late afternoon, claim a rock, and stay through the sunset. Bring a towel to sit on because the rock stays warm long after the sun drops.
Float the Winooski River in Richmond
For a slow afternoon, nothing beats a river float, especially on a Friday. Put in on the Winooski river up in Richmond, grab a tube, and let the current do the work. It is lazy in the best way, more drifting than swimming, and the mountain views the whole way down are hard to beat.
If you’ve got a bike and a tube, what we like to do is park in town and bike up to one of the river put-ins and float back down to the town center where you can pull out (right after floating under the bridge) and the Richmond farmers market is right there on Fridays!
Or you can rent through Umiak Outfitters and they will even drop you at the put-in (without stranding yourself miles from your car.)
Bring water, a hat, sunscreen & a dry bag. There is no shade out on the river!
Wade in at North Beach
North Beach is the classic for a reason. An actual sand beach, lifeguards during the day, grills, and a food stand. It is the easiest yes on this list because it has everything.
Come for a swim, stay for a bbq. The water is chilly in early summer and then suddenly perfect once you are in.
Most importantly
Above all, please leave every place better than you found it. Always swim at your own risk: practice Leave No Trace principles, respect the areas that locals work hard to maintain, and check conditions before heading out. Since swimming in nature carries inherent risks, please use your best judgment; avoid swimming alone and stay out of the water immediately following heavy rainstorms.
Now go get in the water & have fun!
