The shortest place to do this swim and get to claim " I swam from NY to Vermont" or vice versa, is to swim from Thompson's Point on the Vermont side to Split Rock on the NY side. You should decide which side of the lake to start on depending on the wind that day. If it is a north wind, swim from NY to Vermont. If it is a south wind, swim from Vermont to NY. The distance is only a mile, but you will be swimming over the deepest part of the lake. There are strong underwater currents to be aware of. If you attempt this on a warm July or August day, the top layer will be warm, but you will feel the colder layer as you stroke through the water. This is one of the most beautiful swims on the lake, so take time to look around as you swim!