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Hancock Brook Swimming Hole
Worcester, Vermont
Hancock Brook, North Branch of the Winooski
A shady, mossy brook perfect for splashing or cooling off on a warm summer day.
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Special considerations: Access is via a short but steep walk down from Hancock Brook Road. Please descend with caution.
- Public access: Yes
- Activities: splashing, reading, fishing
- Caretaker: Town of Worcester
Hancock Brook Swimming Hole
Inspired by other river access conservation efforts in the area, this landowner reached out to Vermont River Conservancy with one of our favorite kinds of phone calls: “I love that you’ve helped create places for kids and families to splash in the river. I have a beautiful brook through my land. I’d like to work with you to make sure it never gets developed, and to make sure people can always enjoy this beautiful place.”
Thanks to their forethought, as well as contributions from more than 120 donors, today visitors can enjoy this section of Hancock Brook, where it cascades through a narrow valley from the Worcester Range towards the North Branch of the Winooski River. This clear stream is surrounded by northern hardwoods, fir, and hemlock. The narrow, nearly 2-acre strip of land is along Hancock Brook Road, where there are multiple areas to pull off and walk down to the brook. There are a series of swimming hole options here, but “Upper Pot” is a favorite thanks to its cascading waterfall and deeper pool.
Pro tip! Hancock Brook Swimming Hole is on the way to the Worcester Mountain Trailhead, making it a great spot to cool off after a hike.
Conservation Details
- River: Hancock Brook, North Branch of the Winooski
- Acreage: 1.75
- River frontage (ft): 960
Funding Partners
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
- Fields Pond Foundation
- Many generous donors
Directions
From Vermont Route 12, approximately 2 miles north the Town of Worcester: Turn west onto Hancock Brook Road and drive approximately 0.4 miles (passing one house on the left). Park along the road, pulling off far enough for other cars to pass. Walk down the bank to access the swimming holes.
