Rainbow Rock Swimming Hole

Chester, Vermont

Williams River

Swimming Hole
Swimming Hole
Swimming Hole
Swimming Hole
Wildlife & Watershed Protection
Wildlife & Watershed Protection
Fishing Area
Fishing Area
With large pools perfect for kids and dogs, and plenty of spots to cast a line, it's no wonder this has been a favorite swimming hole and fishing site for generations.
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed
No cell service
No cell service
Hiking
Hiking
  • Public access: Yes
  • Activities: swimming, fishing, photography
  • Caretaker: Town of Chester
Rainbow Rock Swimming Hole Chester, Vermont Williams River

Rainbow Rock Swimming Hole

With 700 feet of river frontage, beautiful shoreline, prominent big bedrock outcrops, and a deep swimming hole, it’s no wonder that this has been a favorite Williams River swimming hole for generations. Swimmers cool off and relax on hot days, and dogs love water fetch no matter the weather. Thanks to oxygenating riffles downstream, it’s great fish habitat, drawing anglers to try their luck.

Vermont River Conservancy purchased the land, added an easement to make sure people would always have access to this special place, then donated the land to the Town of Chester. Today, it’s a public park for all to enjoy.

Conservation Details

  • River: Williams River
  • Acreage: 1.30
  • River frontage (ft): 715

Funding Partners

This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:

  • Chester Conservation Committee

Directions

From Chester Village, follow VT-11/Main Street from its intersection with VT-35 for 0.5 mile. Turn left on Pleasant Street (Route 11) and follow for 0.5 mile. Take the first right after the railroad tracks (Green Mountain Turnpike, a gravel road) and follow for about 0.3 mile to a small pull-off on the right, just before reaching the Henry Farm Inn.

From I-91, take exit 7 to merge onto US-5 S/VT-11 W toward Springfield. Follow VT-11 for about 10 miles, and turn left onto Green Mountain Turnpike. Follow for about 0.3 mile to a small pull-off on the right, just before reaching the Henry Farm Inn.