Rainbow Rock is conserved!
Name of Project: Rainbow Rock Swimming Hole
Location: Chester
River: Williams River
Type of Project: Public Access
Public Access: yes
Date Completed: September 2017
Size: 1.3 acres
Water Frontage: 715 feet
Landowner: Town of Chester
Funding Partners: Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Fieldstone Foundation, Jane B. Cook Foundation, VRC Swimming Hole Fund, and the generous support of many local donors.
Property Description: With over 700 feet of river frontage, this parcel possesses beautiful shoreline, prominent bedrock outcrop, and a deep swimming hole on the Williams River. Offering upland forest and river shore habitat, this swimming hole is popular on hot days for swimming and relaxing. Dogs love the big pool for games of water fetch, and anglers try their luck here, as the deep pool is a fish haven and just downstream of oxygenating riffles. The Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance regularly tests water samples from this spot to assess water quality in the Williams River.
Project Background: The landowners of the Henry Farm Inn contacted the Vermont River Conservancy, sharing with us their vision for securing public access to the beautiful and popular Rainbow Rock swimming hole across the street. After several years, VRC, in partnership with VHCB, the Town of Chester and the Chester Conservation Committee, was able to ensure that vision is a reality. This land will forever be accessible to the public.
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.
