Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow: Address, Phone Number, Buttermilk Falls Reviews: 4.5/5
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
25 within 3 miles

Coleman Brook Tavern
173
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Gluten Free Options

Loft Tavern
122
2.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

Harry's Cafe
77
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • International • Vegetarian Friendly

Waffle Cabin
16
2.2 mi$ • Dessert • Cafe

Java Babas
168
2.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe

Mangiamo Ristorante
24
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Pizza

Du Jour VT
47
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

The Killarney
221
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Irish • Bar

The Echo Lake Inn
33
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

Inn at Water's Edge
19
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Pub
Attractions
8 within 6 miles

Jackson Gore Ski Area
122
0.7 miSki & Snowboard Areas

Okemo Mountain Resort
664
2.2 miLookouts • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Camp Plymouth State Park
64
State Parks

Healdville Trail
42
3 miHiking Trails

Evolution Bike Park
6
2.2 miBiking Trails

Black River Academy Museum
9
2.7 miSpeciality Museums

Depot Street Gallery
2
2.8 miArt Galleries
Okemo Fire Tower
1.7 miLookouts
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
173 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
57
Average
14
Poor
3
Terrible
0
DRTraveler
Yarmouth, MA242 contributions
Jul 2021
We visited in July, and did not expect to see much water flowing ( for the time of year), but with all the rain this year, it was impressive. The lower and middle falls were more accessible than the upper falls, and presented good viewing and photo opportunity. The Upper falls require an agile climb down from the street/parking area, but for us it was worth the effort; taller falls, more water, more photo ops.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Adriana G
93 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We live in W. Mass. It took over 2hrs to arrive to the falls , we made a stop at the Vermont Country Store for lunch. Super yummy sandwiches, truffle cheese , nice area with tables and shade. We continue to the falls enjoying the views and on our way, some antique stores. Chester town had a couple of nice stores. Near Okemo we parked on the side of the road, there were plenty of cars nevertheless people seem to dilute, on the extension of the place, we managed to find a nice spot in the middle falls. It was completely awesome one of the best crystalline and pristine swimming holes i had visited this summer, there were little tiny fish. We hiked a little trail to the upper falls. It was crowded, with youngsters jumping from a main rock, and some families with their children, at some point a worrier mamma on the edge become a barrier, and was full of anxiety, as no one was wearing their masks, i feel pity as I empathize with the fact the 6 foot personal space was difficult to save when people trying to step around the hole, yet it was a must for me to cross, and she had to understand i needed to reach my seven year old daughter. My chil dare to make the jump from the 6 feet rock, my heart was pounding, she was exited, I scouted the area and give my approval, the hole is enough deep, yet children had to be very careful not to slip, I was waiting her in the water, some youngsters doing acrobatics and summersaults at the bridge cliffs, to much risk for my taste. We loved the place, it felt safe, it was a nice sunny afternoon. In our wayback we stopped at Brattleboro Grafton Village Cheese Factory to stretch a little more the legs as the hike was not great of a deal. I would love to return.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PartyTheNightAway
New Jersey2,789 contributions
Jul 2021
Good trip. We arrived at approximately 5:30 pm and made our way to the entrance of the trail. The trail was very easy and only consisted of a several minute hike before we reached the waterfall. The waterfall was small, however the environment was very relaxing and peaceful.
Tip: I recommend spending 15 minutes here if you truly want to see everything.
Tip: I recommend spending 15 minutes here if you truly want to see everything.
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Savannah P
Vernon, CT17 contributions
Aug 2020
Great place for a hike or a swim! We traveled from out of state, for a first time visit two days ago. While hiking everyone was wearing masks. While swimming, obviously no masks. The place has three parts to it, room for safe distancing. We noticed a few dogs, always leashed unless swimming. Our group had a lovely time and would definitely go back.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dennis K
Robbinsville, NJ142 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Very close to Castle Hill in Ludlow. Went with my family ( 15 and 18). Park on the side of the road. There are three falls. Seemed like the Middle Falls was the least crowded. Almost like our own pricing Swimming hole. Rocks are slick. Bring water shoes if you have them. You can swim in the pools by the falls.
Written July 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lynda B
Boston, MA145 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We were visiting Vermont and normally when I visit places, I am looking for lighthouses.....so this time, being away from the coastline, I decided to look for waterfalls. ... what fun. We are not hikers, so I followed the directions from a local hiker who said this was an easy walk and his directions were spot on! ( I would love to give him credit, but I can't find the information) Take 103 North out of Ludlow, maybe 1.5 miles ..watch for a street on your right called Buttermilk Falls, take that right. Approx. 1 mile up on the right ( road turns to dirt and stone) watch for the sign that says Okemo State Forest....take the path into the forest. The path forks....to the LEFT is the falls, to the RIGHT is a basin of moving water. This is an easy trek BUT very buggy so WEAR bug spray! And kids can do this walk as well, it is not far in and with supervision kids will do well. When you are visiting, you will notice a number of "stone people" that have been created....leave your creation if you like, we did! This is not a huge waterfall, but it presents as you would think...with the noise and atmosphere of something greatly created....have fun.
Written June 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Diane B
Woonsocket, RI12 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
13 members of my family, (Age 3 - 60), were there July 16, 2017, it was amazing. Would have loved to have been able to spend more time there. Nice little hike from. Would definitely do this again, and bring a picnic lunch with us.
You would probably want to be bring water shoes with you, for walking in the water as the bottom is very rock, plus they would give you better traction on the rocks.
If you're an adventurous person, check it out.
You would probably want to be bring water shoes with you, for walking in the water as the bottom is very rock, plus they would give you better traction on the rocks.
If you're an adventurous person, check it out.
Written July 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Enduro338
Dallas101 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
Buttermilk Falls is easily accessible off a side road from Route 103 near its intersection with Route 100. You can park your call just a few yards away, then duck down into the falls where it's shady, cool and gorgeous. Just listening and gazing at the falls is quite therapeutic and a great way to relieve stress. You can even swim there, if you like cold water. Further hiking is there if you wish. Neat gem.
Written July 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vermontwoodchuck
Rutland, VT27 contributions
Easy access from Route 103 with large boulders to climb / sunbath on. A flowing 23 foot waterfall that is 15 feet 9 inches high. the area is washed bedrock 90 feet wide ending in a short cascade and a large pool of water. Downstream is a second smaller cascade around a small rock island.
Written February 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JennInJersey
Clifton, NJ28 contributions
Jul 2011
My teen cousin and I went to hike at Buttermilk Falls in July of 2011. From reading about it, I believed that the hike to the falls would be longer and more strenuous, but in reality, the falls at this location are nearly visible from the street, and the trail made getting to the water really easy. This proximity in no way takes away from the beauty of the falls, which were breathtaking. My 13 y/o cousin could easily navigate across the water to the rocks on the other side, and climb up the steep include to jump into the pool below on her own. We traveled with a person recovering from foot surgery, and he could easily (slowly) navigate the path through the woods to the water, but had some difficulty with the rocky beach. The current, rocky shoreline and slippery rocks in water would make it difficult if not impossible for a younger child to navigate alone. Our dog had a hard time finding places to step, but still enjoyed swimming and sniffing in the woods at this location. There is no sand beach, grass, or smooth water's edge, so you feel like a mountain goat climbing around on rocks....unless you sit on a rock somewhere, there's no place to lay out or sit. That being said, this is a teenager's dream swimming hole, and the forest around was great for hiking. There are more than one set of falls here also. The biggest is at the top, but if you follow the water's edge through the woods, you will come to other, smaller pools and falls...all with the same "rockiness". We liked this place so much, that we went twice. Everyone we met there was more than friendly, and the water was fine!
To get here, follow Buttermilk Falls Road to the end and park your car. The trail is not marked, but can easily be found...plus you'll hear the falls, and know where to go! My suggestion would be to wear water shoes to protect your feet, its REALLY rocky and slippery!
To get here, follow Buttermilk Falls Road to the end and park your car. The trail is not marked, but can easily be found...plus you'll hear the falls, and know where to go! My suggestion would be to wear water shoes to protect your feet, its REALLY rocky and slippery!
Written July 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FuntravelRN
Garrison, NY59 contributions
Hi
Do you think moderately good health 60 year olds can mange the hike here? Is it a long hike to the falls? how is the terrain?
Thanks
Yes its very easy access, Park along Buttermilk fall road walk down to the right and you will be rewarded with gently flowing pools in that you cansit in to cool off See you there.
nybred1126
Brownsville, VT
Can you tell me the best way to get to watering/swimming hole with children? Coming from Brownsville VT
RLopri
Boston, MA8 contributions
There is parking along Buttermilk Falls Rd. Enter at the trail head. If you follow trail in then stay to the right there are some nice areas for kids near the middle and lower falls.
Ellen M
Sudbury, MA6 contributions
Are dogs allowed on trails?
Diane B
Woonsocket, RI12 contributions
Yes, we saw lots of dogs with their owners. our grandkids were getting a kick out of all the different dogs they saw. The youngest granddaughter would ask after each encounter, can we buy it and take it home.. 4 years old and cute as a button
Are there any places along the trail that would be nice to stop for a picnic, perhaps at one of the falls?
Erin P
2 contributions
It's not really a picnic destination. Better to hike the falls and then drive 5 minutes to Okemo mountain and picnic on the slopes. In fact, if you want to have a picnic/hiking day, drive to the top of the clock tower base at Okemo, park, then hike up to the fire tower. It's a short hike. The views at the top are glorious and there's a ton of empty field space for picnics. Buttermilk is very woodsy and the terrain is uneven. I love it but I wouldn't eat there.
Ann- Marie F
Boston, MA6 contributions
can kids jump in the water??
Robert O
Quincy, MA41 contributions
you could wade through the streams and see the falls but no area to jump in
mariaNewburyVt
newbury vt1 contribution
drections to get here.lots of reviews say hard to find?
Stacey G
Brooklyn, NY105 contributions
Buttermilk Falls Road is directly across 103 from the access road to Jackson Gore. Drive to the end of the road and then you can't miss it.
TimidTraveler55
Many, LA212 contributions
How long does it take to walk to the falls?
Shannon D
15 contributions
It depends on where you park and whether you want to go to the upper, middle, or lower falls. If you want to go to the upper falls, park farther up the road and it will only be an easy 5 minute walk. If you want to go to the lower falls, you can park closer and it's still an easy 5-10 minute walk. Have fun!
Is the hike doable for a 3 year-old? And a stroller? How long is it about?
susanj329
45 contributions
Yes, a 3 year old could do this, but a stroller might be a struggle. You're going down a well beaten path but you are stepping over stones etc. to get down there....
Frequently Asked Questions about Buttermilk Falls
- Hotels near Buttermilk Falls:
- (2.40 mi) Inn at Water's Edge
- (0.72 mi) Jackson Gore Inn
- (5.72 mi) Golden Stage Inn
- (1.59 mi) Green Mountain at Fox Run
- (2.78 mi) The Pettigrew Inn
- Restaurants near Buttermilk Falls:
- (0.71 mi) Coleman Brook Tavern
- (2.75 mi) Homestyle Hotel Inn & Restaurant
- (2.80 mi) Mojo Cafe
- (2.75 mi) The Downtown Grocery
- (3.29 mi) Sam's Steakhouse