Places to Go to Stay Cool

As the summer temperature climbs into the upper 80s and 90s, Vermonters who lack air conditioning look for places to catch a break from the heat. Fortunately, there are plenty of locations in our state where you can go to cool off — everything from state parks and local swimming holes to a large number of public cooling sites. In this article we break down for you what’s available and where to go when the temperature soars.

Heat Safety

It’s important to take high outdoor temperatures seriously, as prolonged exposure to hot weather can cause dangerous illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms that include dizziness, nausea, and weakness mean you need to quickly move to a cooler area. People who are vulnerable to heat include pregnant women, newborns, children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

One way to prevent heat illnesses is to plan ahead and seek out a cool spot beforehand. The National Weather Service office in Burlington issues a daily HeatRisk forecast for Vermont, which categorizes the threat of heat-related impacts on a five-part scale, ranging from none to extreme. The forecast includes color-coded maps which show the risk level in different regions of the state. By checking these forecasts, you can quickly determine the risk for your area and when you should take action.

Cooling Sites

The Vermont Department of Health maintains a list of more than 400 cooling sites around the state. Some places like libraries are open during normal hours, while other sites are only open occasionally — when the weather calls for it. The list indicates which sites you should call first before going to them and provides their phone numbers. Links are provided to sites’ webpages, so you can find their hours and other information.

Downloadable maps of the cooling sites in each county are available. There is also an interactive map, where you can enter your location and find cooling sites within a certain distance from you.

Vermont State Parks

A great place to cool off on a hot day is a Vermont State Park. Not only do parks have plenty of shade (which can feel 10 to 15 degrees cooler than being in the direct sun), but many parks offer swimming. Surrounding yourself with water that’s 10 to 20 degrees lower than the air temperature can cool you off in a hurry and feels refreshing.

The Vermont State Parks website has a park finder feature, which you can use to locate the parks that offer swimming. Vermont State Parks charge a day use admission fee, but season passes are available that lower the cost of visits. If you are a Vermont resident 62 years of age or older, the Green Mountain Passport available from town clerks provides free day entry to Vermont State Parks.

Beaches, Pools, and Swimming Holes

Speaking of getting wet to cool down, there are a variety of other public sites where you can go for a dip.

The City of Burlington offers half a dozen beaches along the shore of Lake Champlain, as part of its 35-park recreation system. Burlington does test for cyanobacteria and e. coli bacteria on a regular basis and will close a beach if bacteria levels are potentially dangerous. Before heading out for a city beach, be sure to check the city’s swim water status page.

Other Vermont municipalities also have beaches. Access may be limited to only town residents, so please check in advance what the policy is. Municipal beaches in Vermont include:

• Castleton
• Charlotte
• Colchester 
• Eden
• Georgia
• Middlesex
• Newport
• Shelburne
• South Hero 
• Westmore

If lying on a sandy beach isn’t your thing, check out a Vermont swimming hole. Often surrounded by trees, these spots offer shady places to relax on the rocks when you’re not wading in. However, some swimming holes can have dangerous currents, especially after a rainstorm. Pay attention to all warning signs and practice safe swimming habits, including staying away from waterfalls, being aware of underwater hazards, and checking for fast-moving water by tossing in a stick to see if it’s pulled under or swept away.

If you desire something calmer, several larger Vermont communities operate public pools. They include:

• Barre
• Brattleboro
• Essex Junction
• Manchester
• Middlebury
• Montpelier
• Northfield
• Putney
• Randolph
• Rutland
• St. Albans
• Vergennes
• Winooski

Before putting on your swimsuit and heading for the nearest pool, please check the municipal website for information on admission, fees, and other rules.

Mountain Summits

This may sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to cool off is hiking to the summit of a Vermont mountain. While you’ll work up a sweat hiking up, as you gain elevation the air will begin to get noticeably cooler. When you reach the top, the temperature will likely be considerably lower than at the bottom. Plus, there is almost always a refreshing breeze and the view can’t be beat! 

Before you hit the trail, check out the recreational forecast from the National Weather Service office in Burlington (click on the higher summits tab). Be sure to bring a lightweight fleece or jacket with you, in case you feel chilly while on the summit. 

To avoid valley heat, start your hike in the morning when the temperature at the base of the mountain is cooler. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated and replace the water lost by sweating. Check out this list of recommended hikes from the Green Mountain Club for suggestions on where to go. 

If you’d rather not hike, you can still get to the top of several Vermont mountains by taking an auto road. These include:

• Burke Mountain
• Mt. Ascutney
• Mt. Mansfield
• Mt. Equinox

More Tips for Staying Cool

We hope these suggestions for places to cool off will help you stay healthy and comfortable when the summer heat becomes oppressive. For more tips on how to beat the heat, check out our other summer blog articles in the Related section below.