Penguin Plunge
Lake Paran Plunge: The main attraction at North Bennington’s Winterfest is always the Lake Paran Plunge, otherwise known as the Penguin Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics athletes.
Roaring Branch River
April 9, 2021 by
Roaring Branch River
(seasonal, swimming)
Another favorite with the locals, the Roaring Branch features a rocky “beach” area, several small pools that are suitable for kids, and one deeper pool that is deep enough for submersing. The river flows right down from the Green Mountains and is incredibly cold, even in the summer. There is ample parking right on Route 9 and enough room to spread out. Weekends can be quite busy here, especially in the late afternoon.
This is a “leave no trace” National Forest Area… please pack out all trash!
Directions: Head east on Route 9 for 2.7 miles or until you pass the Woodford/Bennington town line sign. You will see a parking area on the right. Take a short trail through the woods to the swimming area.
Walloomsac River
April 9, 2021 by
Walloomsac River
(seasonal, fishing, swimming, tubing)
The Wallomsac River is on the shallow side as it meanders through Bennington, so while the spot under the Burt Henry Covered Bridge may not be deep enough for adults to swim in, it is perfect for kids or for anyone who just needs to cool off. There is a small parking area near the bridge and a park with a few picnic tables, a grassy field, and some plantings. The Henry Bridge is one of three covered bridges spanning the Walloomsac River in Bennington and North Bennington and the only one with good access to the river below.
34 River Rd
North Bennington, VT 05257
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burt%20Henry%20Covered%20Bridge/10405034296
Woodford Lake
April 9, 2021 by
Woodford Lake
(Spring, summer, fall, swimming)
At 2400 feet, this 398-acre park has the highest elevation campground of any park in Vermont. Woodford is located on a mountain plateau surrounding Adams Reservoir. The high elevation spruce/fir/birch forest provides an ideal setting for the park. Woodford borders the George Aiken Wilderness Area, which is in the Green Mountain National Forest. There are several lakes and ponds in the surrounding area.
142 State Park Road
Bennington, VT 05201
802-447-7169
Lake Paran
April 9, 2021 by
Lake Paran
(swimming, fishing, canoe rentals)
Lake Paran is a small lake with great views of the surrounding mountains, and the only swimming spot on our list that has lifeguards on duty in the summer. The lake and surrounding recreational lands are part of a local nonprofit, Paran Recreations, which is dedicated to helping people enjoy the beauty of nature and having healthy fun outdoors! We are also stewards of the Paran watershed working to keep our environment safe and clean for now and the future.
There is a small, sandy beach to relax on, a floating dock, charcoal grills, a bathhouse and pavilion, and a concession stand with the best grilled cheese sandwiches around. Canoes can be rented for $10 per hour.
269 Houghton Street
North Bennington, VT 05257
(802) 442-8457
lakeparan@gmail.com
The Tubs
April 7, 2021 by
The Tubs
(Trail, hiking, walking, swimming)
The Upper Tubs waterfall is a popular swimming hole for locals that can be reached after an easy hike through the Pownal woodland.
This is a “leave no trace” area… please be sure to pack out all trash.
Splash Pad
April 2, 2021 by
Splash Pad
(Water playground)
The splash pad will be active during warm months, kid friendly downtown fun. There is also a stage area for performances.
109 North St
Bennington, VT 05201
Return to Recreational Opportunities in Bennington and the Region
Bennington Recreation Center
April 2, 2021 by
Bennington Recreation Center Facilities
(Pool, weight room, sauna, showers)
The Bennington Recreation Center is managed in partnership between the Town of Bennington and the Berkshire Family YMCA. They offer indoor swimming and fitness center year round to members and visitors.
The Bennington Recreation Center is is a municipally funded facility that relies on the members for supplemental support.
Guest Passes (updated 9/22/21)
$10.00 – 1 adult & up to 2 kids
$20.00 – 2 adults & up to 4 kids
$2.00 – for shower only
Bennington Resident Rates (updated 9/22/21)
Adult (ages 25-99)
$7.40/month
$88.80/year
1 Adult and up to 4 Kids
$9.80/month
$117.60/year
Additional Adults in Household
$3.00/month
$36.00/year
Young Adult (ages 20-24)
$4.20/month
$50.40/year
Teen (ages 13-19)
$24.00/year
Youth (ages 6mo-12)
$12/year
Senior Citizen Discount (ages 62+)
10% off membership rate
To get Bennington Resident Rates you must purchase your membership at the Recreation Center and have proof of residency.
Non-Bennington Resident Rates (updated 9/22/21)
Adult (ages 25-99)
$37.00/month
1 Adult and up to 4 Kids
$49.00/month
Household – 2 Adults + 4 Kids
$64.00/month
Young Adult (ages 20-24)
$21.00/month
Teen (ages 13-19)
$10.00/month
Youth (ages 6mo-12)
$5.00/month
Senior (ages 62+)
$33.00/month
Non-Bennington residents may purchase membership at the Recreation Center, or online through the Berkshire Y website. Make sure to select “Bennington” as your location.
Bennington Recreation Center
655 Gage Street
Bennington, VT 05201
