Buttermilk Falls
Ludlow, Vermont
Branch Brook, Black River
- Public access: Yes
- Activities: swimming, hiking, fishing, photography
- Caretaker: Camp Plymouth State Park
Buttermilk Falls
Generations of Vermonters have loved Buttermilk Falls. When private developers threatened to put up “no trespassing” signs here decades ago, Vermont River Conservancy stepped in to make sure people would always have access to this special place. Today, the site is owned by Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, & Recreation, and Vermont River Conservancy holds an easement.
When visiting, a short 0.5-mile trail leads to the falls. More than just a place to splash, Buttermilk Falls’ upper and lower falls each feature pools deep enough for a refreshing swim. The falls change with the seasons, making it a great place to visit again and again. Water plunges over ledges when water is high, then transforms into a quaint twist of water in midsummer.
The upper falls is split into two 12-15 foot drops, and its water streams into a large swimming pool below, where visitors will find clear water and a pebble-covered bottom. The lower falls flow into a deep 25-foot-wide pool of clear, olive-green water. In spring or after a rain, the water plunges over the ledges. Later in the season, these torrents convert to quaint twists of water wrapping beautifully around and over rocks.
Explore the Spanish-language video featuring this site here.
Conservation Details
- River: Branch Brook, Black River
- Acreage: 7.00
- River frontage (ft): 2,500
Funding Partners
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
- Black River Action Team
Directions
From the center of Ludlow, VT, take Route 100 north. Turn left on Rt. 103. Buttermilk Falls Road is approximately 1.5 miles further on the right. Turn here and proceed to end. The falls and Branch Brook are along the abandoned stretch of old Route 103.
