After the snow has melted and the temperatures begin to rise, Winter gives way to Summer in Ludlow, VT. The best local-secret is that the summer months here are equally as beautiful and adventure filled as the previous. The area offers an abundance activities for the perfect summer escape, making Ludlow the premiere destination for your year-round travels. Our guide will take you through the lakes, hikes, and dining options that you can’t miss on your next visit north.
Located a few miles north of Ludlow along Route 100, Echo Lake provides public beach access through their state park. There is a $4 entrance fee upon arrival, so make sure you bring cash with you before leaving town. The park offers a children’s playground, picnic tables, beach volleyball court, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards at a nominal charge. The area is relatively quiet and provides a serene backdrop of the Green Mountains for your Saturday afternoon. Closer to town and a short hike into the woods is Buttermilk Falls. There are three falls, each perfect for swimming and wading depending on the water levels that time of year. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon of the peaceful sounds of the falls. Full directions to Buttermilk can be found here.
In addition to the lakes, Ludlow provides some of the best spring-summer hiking trails. Healdville trail takes hikers up the backside of Okemo, ending at the historic firetower, which puts visitors at the top of the 3,343 foot summit. Aside from the promise of summer in full bloom, a trip of the tower also offers a panorama of Vermont’s Green Mountains, a view west to New York’s Adirondacks, and east to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The trail begins in Mt. Holly and is moderate hike, roughly 5.9 miles roundtrip with stunning views along the way. In addition to Healdville, all of Okemo is open to hikers during the summer month. Park at either the main base lodge, Solitude, or Jackson Gore and make your hike as moderate or difficult as you please.
After a long day of swimming, hiking, or enjoying the Vermont sunshine, Ludlow provides excellent dining options to unwind. For sit-down eats, Harry’s, DJ’s, Stemwinder, and Coleman Brook Tavern are among our personal favorites. For a quick bite to go Java Baba’s and Cookster are the best in town. Be sure to check the hours for each restaurant before heading there, as many spots in Ludlow have different hours in the summer months.
Happy Summer!
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