Oakledge Park
Burlington, Vermont
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $2/hour
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Oakledge Park
Oakledge Park is a city-owned waterfront park in Burlington's South End, sitting directly on the shore of Lake Champlain. It offers two distinct places to swim, Blanchard Beach and the Cove, plus a rocky ledge shoreline that regulars treat as an informal swimming hole, along with extensive park facilities and bike path connections.
The park occupies the largest green space in Burlington's South End, mixing forested shoreline, flat rock ledges, and grassy slopes along Lake Champlain, with views across the lake to the Adirondacks. A network of paved paths (part of Burlington's 9-mile bike path system) and unpaved trails run through wetland and wooded sections connecting the beaches to picnic areas and shelters.
Swimming at Oakledge Park
Swimming is at two designated beach areas plus informal rock-ledge access points. The shoreline is mostly ledge and cobble rather than sand, so water shoes help; zebra mussel shells on the lakebed are a common foot hazard. There is no lifeguard on duty, and water quality (cyanobacteria blooms, E. coli after storms) is monitored by the city and can restrict swimming on high-risk days. The rock ledges on the park's western side are popular for sunbathing and lingering into the evening since the rock retains heat after sunset.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located at 11 Flynn Avenue in Burlington's South End, roughly 3 miles south of downtown Burlington; accessible via the city's bike path network as well as by car.
Parking: On-site parking with a paid kiosk system, $2/hour from sunrise to sunset, May through October; Burlington Parks Season Passes and Green Mountain Passports are accepted, with discounted lifetime passes for seniors (62+) and Vermont veterans.
The hike in
Oakledge Park trail network (informal walking paths, not required for swim access)
- To the water
- under 0.1 mi (a few minutes' walk from the parking lots to Blanchard Beach or the Cove)
- Time on foot
- a few minutes on foot from parking
Difficulty: easy -- paved, accessible path from parking to the main beach areas
Trailhead: Main entrance/trailhead at the west end of Flynn Avenue in Burlington's South End; also reachable via the Burlington Greenway bike path from the north or Austin Drive from the south
The park's broader path network totals about 1.3 miles (easy-to-moderate, mostly paved/hard-packed) and loops through wetland and wooded sections, but this is a park-wide amenity trail, not something visitors must hike to reach the swim beaches -- both beaches sit a short, flat walk from adjacent parking.
The 6-foot-wide paved accessible path has typical grades around 4% with some sections up to 16%; accessible parking, restrooms, and drinking water are sited along it.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Two designated beach areas (Blanchard Beach and the Cove) plus a universally-accessible playground and treehouse make the park itself very family-oriented, but actual water entry is over ledge/cobble shoreline rather than sand, zebra mussel shells litter the lakebed (cut/puncture risk -- water shoes recommended), and there is no lifeguard on duty. Cyanobacteria/E. coli advisories can close swimming after storms or in late summer, so checking conditions before a visit is worthwhile.
Parking
Paid, $2/hour, sunrise to sunset, May-October
Two fee-based lots off Flynn Avenue and Oakledge Drive with kiosk payment; Burlington Parks Season Passes and Green Mountain Passports accepted (discounted lifetime passes for seniors 62+ and VT veterans). Lots reportedly fill on hot summer weekends with limited overflow parking.
Restrooms
Yes
Accessible restrooms are available on-site near the main accessible parking area (per trailfinder.info); other sources describe restrooms/facilities as seasonal, associated with the picnic shelters.
Water clarity
Varies with season and flow
Described as clear on settled summer days but changing quickly with wind, runoff, and late-summer algal blooms; visitors are advised to check the city's swim water quality page before visiting on high-risk days (per newenglandswimmingholes.com).
On the water
Restrictions: No boat launch or motorized-craft access documented at this park; access is carry-in from the beach/shoreline only. No mention of a public trailered boat ramp.
Paddleboards and kayaks are commonly launched from the park's beaches via the on-site rental concession; no findings of motorboat or jet ski use here.
Rentals nearby
Stand-up paddleboard and kayak (single and tandem) rentals, plus lessons, guided tours, and WingSurf equipment; operates a rental stand directly at Oakledge Park (1 Flynn Avenue) as well as a second location at North Beach (60 Institute Road, Burlington)
Prices: Paddleboards: $20/hr, $45 half-day, $65 full-day. Single kayaks: $20/hr, $45 half-day, $65 full-day. Tandem kayaks: $35/hr, $75 half-day, $90 full-day. Multi-day/weekly/monthly rates and delivery also available.
On-site at Oakledge Park, 1 Flynn Avenue, Burlington, VT · Daily 11am-6pm in season; walk-ups welcome, reservations recommended for groups of 6+
Oakledge Park: FAQ
Does Oakledge Park charge a fee?
$2/hour parking fee (seasonal, May-Oct); no separate swimming fee found. Shelter rentals run $190 (half-day) to $275 (full-day).
Is Oakledge Park kid friendly?
Two designated beach areas (Blanchard Beach and the Cove) plus a universally-accessible playground and treehouse make the park itself very family-oriented, but actual water entry is over ledge/cobble shoreline rather than sand, zebra mussel shells litter the lakebed (cut/puncture risk -- water shoes recommended), and there is no lifeguard on duty. Cyanobacteria/E. coli advisories can close swimming after storms or in late summer, so checking conditions before a visit is worthwhile.
Do I need to hike to reach Oakledge Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Oakledge Park?
Two fee-based lots off Flynn Avenue and Oakledge Drive with kiosk payment; Burlington Parks Season Passes and Green Mountain Passports accepted (discounted lifetime passes for seniors 62+ and VT veterans). Lots reportedly fill on hot summer weekends with limited overflow parking.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Oakledge Park?
Paddleboards and kayaks are commonly launched from the park's beaches via the on-site rental concession; no findings of motorboat or jet ski use here.
When is the best time to visit Oakledge Park?
Summer (roughly May through September) for swimming; described as a popular late-afternoon-through-sunset spot.
What are the rules at Oakledge Park?
Dogs must be on a leash; motorized vehicles are prohibited on park trails; no lifeguard is on duty at the swim areas.
