Lakes and Swimming Near Stratton Mountain: Summer Options

The Stratton area has rivers, ponds, and state park swimming areas within 20-30 minutes that give a summer stay real swimming options. Here's what's accessible and what to expect.

Stratton Pond

The largest body of water in the Green Mountain National Forest, accessible via a 3.8-mile round-trip hike from the Kelley Stand Road trailhead. The pond is cold -- genuinely cold even in July. On a hot summer day, that's refreshing. There's no lifeguard, no facilities, and no motorboats. The setting is beautiful: clear water, surrounded by spruce-fir forest, usually quiet even on weekends.

Jamaica State Park -- West River

About 15-20 minutes from the Winhall/Bondville area, Jamaica State Park has the best accessible river swimming near Stratton. By August, the river typically settles to a calmer level and the swimming holes are properly usable. September is often the best swimming month: water still warmish, river calm, and the foliage starting to color.

Ball Mountain Lake

The Army Corps of Engineers' recreation area around Ball Mountain Lake has designated swimming areas during summer months. When operating normally, this is the closest thing to a proper lake beach in the immediate area -- a sandy swimming area, calmer water than the rivers.

Townshend Lake (Townshend State Park)

A 30-35 minute drive east on Route 30 and Route 35. The lake is bigger than Ball Mountain and the beach area is well-maintained. Townshend is the area's most reliable summer swimming option -- consistent water levels, maintained swimming area, lifeguard during peak season.

Practical Notes

Vermont mountain water is cold by most people's standards. Even in the warmest part of summer, the rivers and ponds near Stratton run significantly colder than ocean water or lowland lakes. Plan for this, especially with children. Water shoes are useful for the rocky river swimming areas.

Far Away is available for summer and fall stays. Check availability or see the property details.