Getting on the River in Johnson, Vermont

Getting out on the river can be the main event of the summer. It’s always fun to build your day around an outdoor adventure with the opportunity to cool off, and many of our river access sites offer just that. 

If you live in the Lamoille Valley or are planning a trip up that way, make sure you stop at one of our river accesses along the Lamoille River and its tributaries. The Lamoille River is home to both the Lamoille Paddlers’ Trail, and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which offer the opportunity to explore by boat, bike, or foot. Seeing a recreational and flood protection opportunity along this river, we have conserved land along this river and its tributaries.

Cascades at Beard Park in Johnson, VT

Beard Park

This riverfront park is right in the heart of Johnson Village, a great town to explore on a summer day, bookended by riverside recreation. The town is home to various restaurants, boutiques, and the Vermont State University Johnson campus. Whether to start or end your day in town, Beard Park is a spot to bask in the sunshine on a rocky outcropping, take a dip, or have a picnic below the historic Power House Covered Bridge.

Waterfall at Journey’s End swimming hole in Johnson, VT

Journey’s End Swimming Hole

Just up the road, on Foote Brook, there is another great spot to take the whole family or spend a day to yourself, at Journey’s End Swimming Hole. This swimming hole is at the end of a forested half-mile-long trail, and on a hot day, that can surely feel like a long journey worthy of the spot’s name. It feels like a true oasis, with the sounds of songbirds and trickling water, as well as the towering trees that sway in the breeze. After spending time swimming at this spot, head back into Johnson with a stop at Foote Brook Farm and peruse their farm stand, or if it’s before 3 p.m. grab a drink and lunch at Jenna’s Coffee house. There are many other local businesses in town, so take time to walk around and you may just find a treasure.

Paddlers canoe under Poland Covered Bridge in Cambridge, VT

Poland Covered Bridge

If you head downriver from Johnson along the Lamoille, you’ll happen upon another historic covered bridge in the nearby town of Cambridge – Poland Covered Bridge. We conserved the land next to the bridge to provide access to paddlers and swimmers along this stretch of the river. Park in the lot and head down towards the river, while you will find a picnic table, and a sandy beach, the perfect spot to take a dip or put a boat in for a leisurely flatwater paddle. Choose whatever distance you would like, because this site is on the Lamoille Paddlers’ Trail, which has quite a few spots to put in or take out a boat. There is also easy access to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail across the bridge from this spot if you would rather stay on land! 

With all of these beautiful riverside spots so close to each other, you might not even be able to make it to all of them! Take a look at our interactive site map of swimming holes, fishing spots, and paddlers trails to see even more places to visit in the Lamoille Valley.