Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls

Ludlow, Vermont 05149

Official Website

About this Location

Buttermilk Falls is a series of waterfalls and popular swimming holes on Branch Brook, listed in the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources inventory of significant waterfalls, cascades, gorges, and swimming holes. The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation manages the property which is cared for by staff from Camp Plymouth State Park during the summer months.

There is a large pool below both the lower and upper falls, each being deep enough for complete submersion. The lower falls flow into a deep 25-foot-wide pool of clear, olive-green water. Later in the season, a quaint twist of water wraps itself around a slightly wetted rock, adding character to what is usually a typical plunge throwing itself over the ledge during high-water-volume times.

The upper falls is a segmented horsetail, with the right fall being predominant. The left horsetail is strong only in spring or after heavy rain. In general, this horsetail is steeper and slightly taller; it is 15 feet high, whereas the right horsetail is about 12 feet. Both streams of water flow into another large swimming pool with clear water and a pebble-covered bottom.

Notable Trails

There is a description with a map of a .5-mile hike at Buttermilk Falls on the AllTrails website.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website

Last updated October 7, 2023