Buttermilk Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Buttermilk Falls
Nestled within Okemo State Forest’s CONE land unit, Buttermilk Falls is a charming series of cascades in Vermont that draws hikers for its photogenic tiers and forested setting. The falls are part of a broader set of similarly named sites (as noted on Wikipedia), but this location’s combination of flowing water, verdant hardwoods, and accessible approach makes it a distinct outing for day hikers and photographers alike. The parcel is owned by SPR and managed under the OTHS unit, so visitors should treat the area with the quiet respect of a managed forest landscape. The falls themselves unfold over multiple drops with clear pools at their bases, offering pleasant vantage points from well-worn viewpoints. While the scene is suitably tranquil for a short escape into nature, the trail approach rewards a modest effort and provides a satisfying half-day loop for most active visitors — bring sturdy shoes and a camera for the best views.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 1,198 feet within Okemo State Forest, fed by the Black River, in the foothills of Vermont.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Buttermilk Falls is an out-and-back route of roughly 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The path is generally well-marked and suitable for most hikers, with mostly level walking broken by some uneven sections and short steeper pitches as you near the cascades. Expect a straightforward route that leads directly to viewpoints above and beside the falls; there is no USFS trail number provided for this site.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Buttermilk Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Buttermilk Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers stunning foliage, while summer provides opportunities for wading in the pools.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or after storms, as water levels may rise rapidly.
Current Water Conditions
49 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
1.86 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER AT NORTH SPRINGFIELD, VT (21 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
53 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
48 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
55 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
50 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
49 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
51 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
59 cfs
4/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Proctorsville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 110 feet through Buttermilk Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,197 feet.
The ground changes about 127 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 54 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,197 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 110 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Buttermilk Falls is located near Ludlow, Vermont, off Buttermilk Falls Road. It is easily accessible by car, and the trailhead is a short drive from the town center.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,198 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.436460° N, -72.727875° W
Land Management
Managed by OTHS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Where to Stay
Winterplace G205
Jackson Gore Village, A Vail Resorts Property
Manchester View
Seesaw's Lodge
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Stoughton Pond Rec Area
12 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Stoughton Pond Recreation Area is a day use area located to the north of North Springfield Lake. Stoughton Pond is located off State Route 106 on Stoughton Pond Road in Perkinsville, Vermont. Recreation Stoughton Pond Recreation Area offers plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. Many people enjoy canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing. The state of Vermont Department of Fish and Game annually stock the pond with rainbow trout, and the pond also offers excellent bass fishing. A b
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Bellows Falls, Vermont
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Bellows Falls, Vermont on SoakingSprings.
Explore Vermont springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow town center, and Echo Lake State Park are nearby attractions worth visiting.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and occasional deer sightings.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Apalachin
50 ftCurrent flow 120 ft³/s -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
45 ftCurrent flow 172 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
15 ftCurrent flow 2,360 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
104 ft -
05
Fultonville
30 ft -
06
Gloversville
77 ft -
07
Greenwood Lake
40 ftCurrent flow 56 ft³/s -
08
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 14 ft³/s -
09
Hudson Falls
60 ft -
10
Keeseville
128 ftCurrent flow 53 ft³/s -
11
Linwood
70 ftCurrent flow 26 ft³/s -
12
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 1 ft³/s -
13
Speculator
25 ft -
14
Wampsville
30 ft
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