Lazy Days at the Dorset Quarry on Route 30

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Dorset Quarry

Lazy Days at The Dorset Quarry

This summer I’m looking forward to spending some time at the Dorset Quarry. Mined in 1785, the Dorset Quarry on Route 30 in Dorset is the oldest marble quarry in the United States. It’s now a popular swimming hole for locals and visitors in southern Vermont.
Although the quarry is located on private property, public access is allowed. As a teenager I spent countless afternoons there with my friends. But the Dorset Quarry is more than just a fun hangout for high school kids (regarding my adolescent antics, I plead the fifth.). On a summer afternoon, you’ll also find adults, families and couples enjoying what is one of the best swimming holes in Vermont.

Categories:
Bennington County, Dorset, History, Scenic, Summer, swimming, Travel Tips
12 Comments
  • a whole lotta love
    Posted at 16:37h, 13 May Reply

    We stopped by here for the first time this winter. It was so beautiful. I tromped through the snow to take photos. I have some in my January album on my blog… and one of my first blogs was about this day I spent in Manchester/ Dorset. Anyway, I would love to see it in summer! Is it really cold water? We’ll have to bring our suits when we go there again. I didn’t know people could swim in it. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 18:47h, 13 May Reply

    Whole lotta love — The water can be a bit chilly, but it’s not too bad. You should definitely go for a swim at the quarry when you are back in Manchester/Dorset. I will check out the photos on your blog from your January visit. Thanks for stopping by!

  • bistrohenry
    Posted at 22:03h, 13 May Reply

    Nice… I plan on diving it this late spring. I’ll try to get a photo or 2 from under.

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 22:41h, 13 May Reply

    Henry — Ooh, diving sounds great! I would love to see your photos from underwater. Bistro Henry is on our list to visit this summer!

  • Steve Borichevsky
    Posted at 23:48h, 13 May Reply

    Oh, I know this quary. I’ve driven by it hundreds of times!

  • Richard King
    Posted at 07:07h, 14 May Reply

    Looks like a nice place for a swim, if the water’s not too cold. Some swimming holes near our area, seem to have cold water year round!

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 02:33h, 15 May Reply

    Hi Steve — It’s a great place. Stop by for a swim next time you’re in Dorset (in the summer).

    Hi Richard — The water is definitely a little chilly, but it’s refreshing on a hot summer day. I imagine it stays cold because the water is so deep.

  • matthew houskeeper
    Posted at 14:31h, 15 May Reply

    Spent many days there.

  • nicelifeapparel
    Posted at 07:23h, 26 May Reply

    One of the best spots in the state. I’ve shot many photos there and in the area. They can be found on my photography site http://awesomeishotthat.tumblr.com/page/4. Glad Andy Coghlan turned me onto this blog.

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 11:23h, 26 May Reply

    nicelifeapparel — Thanks for stopping by. Love the photos on your photo site. Your Dorset quarry image is beautiful!

  • Pingback:Put Bristol Falls Swimming Hole on Your Must-See List
    Posted at 08:40h, 20 June Reply

    […] grew up swimming in ponds and brooks, and spent my teenage years jumping off marble rocks at the Dorset Quarry. While I enjoy swimming in the ocean and lakes, I feel more connected to nature when I’m […]

  • Pingback:What to Do When it's Summer in Vermont
    Posted at 11:38h, 26 June Reply

    […] Dorset Quarry on Route 30 in Dorset is the oldest marble quarry in the United States. Mined in 1785, the quarry is now a […]

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