Waterbury Center State Park

Whether you are interested in relaxing at the beach, taking a swim, heading out on a boat trip, paddling around on your canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board, Waterbury Center State Park has it all! The park is located on a 90-acre peninsula surrounded by a reservoir created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Beaches along the Waterbury Reservoir provide the perfect spot to picnic or grill and take a dip into the water. Stroll along the universally accessible nature trail or stop at the fishing platforms and try your luck at catching your next meal. Other on-site amenities include restrooms and changing areas, so you will be comfortable for a long day by the water.

Get out on the water from the boat ramp; motorboats are permitted with speed restrictions. For a slower way of paddling around, bring a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board or rent one from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters. New to paddling? Umiak offers lessons to get you started!

Extend your trip and reserve a night at one of the remote paddle-to campsites for a unique experience.

Little River State Park

Start your trip to the Waterbury Reservoir from the Little River State Park side! With a plethora of tent sites, lean-to sites, cabins, and trailer campsites, there are camping options for those who want to be near the water and among nature with the convenience of hot showers.

Hike or bike on many miles of trails to explore the evidence of settlements left behind from 50 families in the early 1800s. With cemeteries, sawmills, roads, and cellar holes still available, stop and read the signs or join rangers for guided programs on nature and history. Bring your pet and cool off from a hot day splashing around in the river.

Boats, including motorboats, can be launched on the Reservoir and campers can rent boats. For day use visitors looking to rent boats, the Waterbury Center State Park is just on the other side of the Reservoir and has rentals and lessons available.

Bolton Potholes

Seeking thrills and chills in the water? Check out the Bolton Potholes, one of Vermont’s most preeminent swimming holes. These large, round, rock “bowls” are located on the Joiner Brook falls about six miles west of Waterbury. Head to the Smiley School where you’ll find parking. Water shoes are recommended for climbing on the rugged bank. Pack some beverages (glass bottles are prohibited) to stay cool, and don’t forget to pack out all trash.

Fishing

In addition to fishing at the Waterbury Center and Little River State Parks, anglers will love the Winooski River. This 90-mile tributary to Lake Champlain runs alongside downtown Waterbury and is home to brook, brown, and rainbow trout, salmon, panfish, perch, bass, and more.

Purchase a fishing license from Parro’s Gun Shop, or order online from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department prior to your visit. Be sure to check state regulations dictating fishing season dates and times. 

Get a guided fishing experience from The Fly Rod Shop or test your luck at some of these favorite spots:

Park at The Ice Center and fish the stretch of river to the Middlesex Bridge. You’ll find excellent trout, 10-15” in the riffles and 12-30” brown trout in the pools, some of which come from the state’s fishery stock.

Pull off Route 2 in Moretown at the Arthur Buck River Access near the landfill; be careful on the steep river bank.

Try the Main Street Bridge downstream to the Winooski Bridge if the water level is high enough.

Grab the kids and find the deep pool below the waterfalls at Bolton Power Dam, just off of Little River Road near Camel’s Hump Road, where fish activity typically picks up on summer afternoons and evenings.

Take a chance on Ridley Brook near Camel’s Hump Road, where small brook trout congregate in pools.