Pinch Rock River Access
Pinch Rock River Access
Name of Project: Pinch Rock River Access
Location: Royalton, VT
River: White River
Type of Project: Public Access
Public Access: Yes
Date Completed: May 2015
Water Frontage: approximately 800 feet
Landowner: Vermont River Conservancy
Funding Partners: White River Partnership
Property Description: “Pinch Rock” is a treasured swimming hole and fishing spot on the White River in Royalton, Vermont. The bedrock outcropping provides swimmers, anglers, and inner tubers convenient and safe access to the White River. After flooding from Tropical Storm Irene severely eroded the banks, parking along Route 14 has been reestablished, access improved with a stone stairway to the river, and trees planted by the White River Partnership.
Over the past decade there has been increased recreational use of the White River by paddlers, tubers, and folks seeking refuge from summer’s heat. Pinch Rock has been a bedrock of local river activities for generations.
Project Background: Peg Elmer generously donated this riverside property, including the rock, for the Vermont River Conservancy to hold a perpetual public access and conservation easement on the parcel. This project secures perpetual public access, guaranteeing that no future landowner could post it. VRC will soon convey the parcel to the Town of South Royalton, retaining the public access conservation easement. Many thanks to the White River Partnership’s Landscape Auction fundraising for helping ensure this project’s success.
Directions: From I-89, take Exit 3 Bethel, and take 107 East to Route 14. Turn right on Route 14 South, and the pull out will be 2.6 miles on your right.
