Hay Rides

June means haying in Vermont. Nothing beats the aroma of new-mown hay. Nelson Hill, in Derby, offers hayrides. (802) 766-2646

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Vermont Swimming Holes

Conveniently located near the Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast Inn are several swimming holes for you to enjoy. Please obey Swimming Hole Etiquette and Safety Rules when enjoying these local natural treasures.

Gray Rock, Montgomery Center: This swimming hole is just a 5 minute walk from the front door of our Inn, and is named after the huge gray rock right in the middle of the river where you can dive off into a deep pool of fresh water. Since the river current is a bit slower here, the water can often look a little greenish since it can have more sediment than at Three Corners, but the water is clean. Nearby is a small rapid, plus a small sandy beach. The area is very relaxing, but do remember it is a river so, although the current is normally fairly slow, it can be swift at times, and the depth variable. This swimming spot is very popular with locals since it is easy to walk here from town. From The Phineas Swann, just walk down Rte 118 (Main Street) in the opposite direction from the Baptist church at the end of the road, and look for the small path leading to the swimming hole directly across from the town’s local recreational field.

River Walk, Montgomery Village: This is probably the most convenient swimming hole, if you want to drive, since you can drive right up to the river bank. It’s just 3 miles from the front door of our inn. It also has a wonderful rope swing that takes you right over a 7 to 8 foot deep portion of the river. The swimming area next to our town’s baseball field, so there is a “Porta Potty” there for changing clothes and, of course, using the toilet. 

This place is a true Vermont swimming area, and the kids swinging from the rope are right out of a Norman Rockwell painting! The swimming hole is can be found just after you go over the bridge on 118 in Montgomery Village. You can pull over to the right hand side and park, and the swimming hole is right there!

Four Corners, North Troy: Another terrific swimming hole can be found at Four Corners, less than a mile from the Elm Street Apartments in North Troy – so far north it is almost in Canada! The swimming area is a beautiful, large oblong pool approximately 30 yards in diameter. The entire pool is surrounded by a high rock ledge providing ample places to jump into the deep pool. Once again, we don’t suggest you do any diving – the locals know exactly where to dive – but it can still be dangerous. There is rope swing on a tree perched on the top of the far ledge, so terrifying our palms get sweaty just thinking about it. The water is emerald green, the falls are nice and big and the folks mostly keep their suits on.

Gibou Road, Hectorville: The Gibou Road hole is a very private, placid swimming hole, so it's very likely you will have the entire place to yourself. A long, shallow pool leads to an underwater cliff, a narrow channel and finally a small waterfall. The water spills into a large rock bowl that connects to the main channel via a submerged hole in the bowl – quite unique.

There are many places to explore in and around the boulders and rock formations that surround the river. Upstream, the river widens and passes under a covered bridge. There is another pool well upstream from the bridge. A great place to visit at the end of a long day hiking! Since this is one the most private spots in the area, bathing suits are more likely to sometimes be optional. 

To get to the Gibou Road Swimming Hole from The Phineas Swann, follow Route 118 southward (toward Eden) for approximately 2 miles. (Although you are heading in a southerly direction, you are actually traveling on Route 118 West.) Take the first right that is not a driveway (west) onto Gibou Road. Travel approximately 1/4 mile and park near the four wheeler path heading off to the right. Follow the four wheeler path to the river and swimming hole.

SWIMMING BEACHES are also found at Lake Willoughby, a deep glacial lake. The family beach is at the north end, nude beach at the south end. Located in Westmore.

Crystal Lake in Barton has generally warmer waters than Lake Willoughby and it too has a public beach.

Waterfalls, North Troy - A spectacular waterfall at Big Falls, River Road. You shouldn't miss a picnic or hike to this site.

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Fishing

Fishing Licenses are available at the Montgomery Town Clerk's office, as well as the ShurFine Foods in Montgomery Center—both just a few doors down. If you like trout fishing, which is great in our area, we can arrange for an experienced guide as well as any gear you may need.

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Marathon Running - The Jay Challenge

Throughout the summer both the resort and several organizers manage to put together at least one, if not more, races. In 2008, the resort set up second running race, and in prior years it has been the “Jay Challenge” organizers, and they hope to put together their triathlon again in 2009. We can’t be certain what races will be on next year, so ask and as soon as we know anything and we’ll email you to either come and watch or for those who really want a challenge – compete. We have never seen one of these races which was for the faint of heart!

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Nature and Wildlife Viewing

There are many opportunities while visiting the Phineas Swann to get a little closer to nature, whether you would like to do some wildlife viewing or simply admire the 'Natural Wonders' of the area.

Hazen’s Notch Winter Festival
Normally held in March – Please ask us for this year’s date
Natural resource managers, ecologists & environmental educators lead presentations on a variety of topics to include: wildlife tracking, winter tree identification, beaver pond ecology, winter adaptations, & maple sugaring. Non-members: Adults/$10, Children/$5. Members: Adults/$7, Children/$3.

Local Natural Wonders

• Balance Rock - From Rte. 242 turn right on Route 101 to connect up with 100 South (a wonderfully scenic road which passes small family farms, old villages, and charming white churches with verdant mountains as a backdrop) to the small unpaved road, Balance Rock Road which leads to the natural wonder, Balance Rock. Balance Rock Road about 4 miles south of the intersection of 101 and 100.
• Big Falls - To reach Big Falls, turn left on Rte 100 North, and travel just under ½ mile north of the intersection of Rte 101 and Rte 100 to the small unpaved road, River Road, in Troy. River Road not only leads to Big Falls – Vermont’s Largest waterfalls, but passes River Road Bridge – a particularly beautiful red covered bridge along the way.
• Four Corners - After visiting the falls, you can get back to 101 by passing through the River Road Bridge onto the Vielleux Road. If you have the time, while in area travel visit the Four Corners Swimming Hole. Just as you connect up with Route 101, you will see the Jay Four Corners convenience store on your right. The swimming hole, which takes its name from the convenience store, is directly across the street from the store. There is a large dirt parking lot, you can't miss it! (We should note, however, that while we think the 4 corners swimming hole is “nice”, it is just not as nice as our own “Three Holes Swimming Hole” in Montgomery!)

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"What a pleasure staying here---we must come back to stay longer, and soon!! Everything is just so gorgeous!!"

 - Sandra and Dennis Paquette

Outdoors in the Jay Peak Area

Get back to nature, up close and personal! Right here in the Montgomery-Jay Peak area you can explore the river basins and rock formations along the Trout and Black Falls rivers. In North Troy there is Big Falls, the largest waterfalls in Vermont. In Jay there's the Jay Branch Gorge to explore. Haystack Mountain in Lowell offers a bed of Arctic-Alpine flora growing on the north-facing ledges of the summit. Wildflowers are everywhere. The Northeast Kingdom offers up such natural wonders as Averill Pond in Averill, a glacially scoured basin which supports landlocked Salmon, and Black Island Hemlock Forest on Lake Memphremagog (a private island which may be viewed from the water).

The spectacular Willoughby Cliffs where Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hoar meet the shores of Lake Willoughby is one of the most famous scenes in Vermont. When you visit, we would be happy to point out other possibilities for your exploration.

The area from Montgomery west to St. Albans is one of Vermont's largest dairy farming regions. Of course the "Islands" that form a natural bridge across Lake Champlain offer their own natural wonders, along with some great apple growing farms. The wetlands from Swanton to Alburg offer havens for all types of wild life and birds, as well as wonderful fishing spots.

"We were looking for a romantic place to stay while doing some cross country skiing over Christmas break, and found the Phineas Swann after searching for pet friendly lodging. This place was amazing! The attention to detail, from the decor to the extensive amenities, made us feel right at home from the very start. Our dogs had a warm bed with a bone awaiting them by the fire, and the room was beautiful, blending a welcoming country ambience with antiques. I would recommend this inn to anyone!"

- Trip Advisor Member Seeker16, CT

"We have stayed at many bed & breakfasts on our annual ski outings in Maine and Vermont. This by far was the best B&B we have ever stayed at! We are a family of 4 with two children 8 and 11 years old. My children were made to feel welcome and they loved the abundance of hot chocolate.
My husband and I loved the evening hot tub after a day of skiing."

Trip Advisor Member
PJRwestchester, West Chester
 

Hazen's Notch Association

Only 7 minutes from the Phineas Swann in the shadow of Jay Peak, you can enjoy the pristine beauty of Hazen's Notch long known for the rugged beauty of its steep cliffs: its distinctive "V" cleft as seen from far away, and its remote northern location in Vermont's Green Mountains. Glaciers first carved this dramatic piece of Vermont's landscape, and thousands of years later, George Washington ordered Colonel Bayley and later General Hazen to build a road from Newbury on the Connecticut River through this northernmost notch in Northwestern Vermont, but the road was never completed and ended at what came to be known as Hazen's Notch. Today the Hazen's Notch area covers several thousand acres and is largely forest. The Hazen’s Notch Association (HNA) a non-profit conservation organization is located in Montgomery which works to ensure that the beauty and unique landscape of the area is preserved. The HNA maintains an office and Welcome Center on Route 58, (Hazen's Notch Road) HNA in Montgomery Center.

The Hazen's Notch Conservation Lands is a privately owned conservation area that lies to the west of the summit of Burnt Mountain in Montgomery. This 500- acre natural area consists of 2 preserves: the 100-acre Bear Paw Pond Area and the 400-acre High Ponds Farm. Both of these areas are open to the public on a limited basis.

The Bear Paw Pond Area lies south of Route 58, and 1 mile east of Montgomery Center. This area is mostly wooded with several trails and restored woods roads that allow pedestrian access. The High Ponds Farm is nestled at the base of Burnt Mountain on the Rossier Road, 2 miles up from the Phineas Swann. A parking area and Visitor Center are located at the end of the road, 0.5 miles south of Route 58 (Hazen's Notch Road).  This former hill farm, last farmed by the Dodge Family from 1900- 1945, serves as a Stewardship Demonstration Site.

These mixed hardwood/softwood forest preserves include numerous beaver ponds, large rock outcrops, a 125-tree apple orchard, several streams an old pasture, and meadow glade. These wonderful ranges of habitats support a great diversity of plant and animal species. Several miles of woods roads and trails provide excellent routes for exploring the natural features on these conservation areas. Please observe all rules posted along the trails. Full Visitor Information is available at www.hazensnotch.org.

40 Miles of groomed and marked trails pass through 2,500 acres of maple birch and evergreen forest across gentle open meadows providing spectacular views of Hazen’s Notch and numerous peaks over 3,000′ in elevation in the Jay, Cold Hollow, and Green Mountains rangeswhich completely encircle the trail system. The HNA trails are considered some of the most scenic trails in New England.

Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching

The greater Jay Peak and Montgomery area offers some wonderful sighting of wildlife. Of course, our favorite is the moose. Known watching sites are Rte. 58 in Lowell, Balance Rock Road in Westfield, Rte. 105 in North Troy and Rte. 242 on the west side (the Montgomery side) of Jay Peak.Black bear can be seen roaming the woods and fields along Balance Rock Road in Westfield, Rte. 242 in Jay and Mine Road in Lowell. The best time is in the fall when the apples have fallen from the trees.

Wild turkeys can be seen in good numbers along the River Road in North Troy or on just about any road leading to and from Montgomery. Other bird species (even bald eagle) can also be seen along River Road and just north of the Big Falls area. Other bird watching spots are on the Loop Road in Troy/Westfield, and along the Missisquoi River. Jay Peak is also an excellent spot for bird-watching. Beavers can be seen frequently along the Missisquoi River which runs from Lowell to North Troy, or along Rte. 242 heading towards Jay.

Birding in the mountains can be one of the most fascinating experiences of a lifetime. From the Red-bellied Woodpeckers to Yellow-bellied Sap Suckers, birds come in all shapes, sizes and colors in the Jay Peak area.

Other great areas to view wildlife are the wildlife refuge area in Swanton (just down the round from us) and the refuge areas on the Lake Champlain Islands. In fact, just about anywhere in northern Vermont is a great place to see wildlife!

The Lakes

From the Phineas Swann, it's just a short drive to many of the area's lovely lakes: Lake Eden, Crystal Lake in Barton, Lake Carmi, Seymour Lake, Lake Salem, Caspian Lake, Lake Memphremagog in Newport, and the most photographed lake in Vermont, Lake Willoughby. These pristine lakes offer visitors an opportunity for fishing, boating and swimming in some of Vermont's most beautiful settings. There's even a paddlewheel tour boat on Lake Memphremagog for day and evening cruises. The “Kingdom” is Vermont's "Lakes Region."

Swimming Hole Etiquette and Safety

There is nothing better on a lazy summer day than to enjoy the natural swimming holes that are found throughout the Northeast Kingdom.  Most Vermonters feel swimming holes are far superior to man-made swimming pools. The settings are bucolic, the water smells like water (not chlorine) and the adventure of finding and enjoying a good swimming hole is very exciting. One big difference, however, is that you must be aware of SAFETY. At a swimming hole, you are responsible for your own safety. As a bonus, in Northern Vermont, there is one little safety nuisance you don’t have to worry about: We don’t have poisonous snakes! They just don’t live in such cold climates.

A few common sense swimming hole SAFETY precautions are:

 NEVER dive into unknown waters. Don't even jump unless you have checked the depth in the immediate place you are jumping

 DON'T swim alone.

 DON’T drink alcohol and swim

 DON’T climb or swim above or alongside a waterfall

 DON'T use glass beverage containers

 ALWAYS wear old sneakers or "reef runners" to protect your feet

 NEVER try to stand up in swiftly moving water that is above your knees. Go with the flow; float on your back, feet downstream, until the current slackens

Typically our swimming holes are a deep place in one of the many streams or rivers that crisscross our landscape that are enjoyed by local folks on those dog days of summer. As the name implies, they are smallish, and with our mountain streams our swimming holes fairly cold, but, that is what makes it such a welcome break on hot summer days. The locals won’t call a spot a swimming hole unless it is deep enough to float your average person – say 3 or 4 feet deep – otherwise it is just a “wading place”. But by and large, if we locals think it is a swimming hole, then, it’s a swimming hole!

There are a few rules of swimming hole etiquette that you should follow. Two prime rules are: no glass containers and, pick up your trash (and after others if need be). With regard to the delicate matter of attire, cut-offs, tee shirts and holey sneakers are high fashion. Sometimes you might see someone in their “birthday suit” which means one final rule of etiquette is no gawking. Almost every swimming hole is on private property so if you don’t respect the area, the landowner may just want to kick everybody out for good! So please, be courteous, don’t leave trash, and don’t be so rowdy that it is uncomfortable for others. 

Attractions Map of the Jay Peak Area

A great tool to take with you on your outdoor excursions in the Jay Peak area is the Jay Peak Chamber of Commerce's Attractions Map. John was on the board of the local chamber when this map was produced, so he is particulary proud of it.  The map focuses on areas of interest in the direct vicinity of the Phineas Swann and highlights:

 Rivers, Lakes, and Swimming Holes

 Boat launches and Water Sports Areas

 Canoe and Kayak Access Points

 Golf Courses and Tennis Courts

 Stables and Riding Trails

 Skiing and Snowboarding Areas

 Cross-Country Ski Areas and Trails

 Wildlife Viewing Areas and Nature Trails

 Historic Sites, Old Cemeteries, and Museums

 State Parks

 Covered Bridges and Sugar Houses

 Equipment Rental Shops

Ask for a map when visiting the Phineas Swann on your next vacation, or contact the Jay Peak Chamber of Commerce for a copy.