Buttermilk Falls
Vermont · 15-foot drop · Buttermilk Falls Natural Area (Vermont River Conservancy) · Last verified 2026-05-23
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Buttermilk Falls is a 15-foot cascade on Branch Brook just south of Ludlow, Vermont, dropping into a 25-foot-wide pool that is one of the state's best summer swimming holes. The 0.5-mile out-and-back is essentially flat. Upstream — about a mile of dirt trail — sit two more drops, the upper falls, with their own pools. The Vermont River Conservancy manages access. Crowds peak July-August.
The trail
0.5 miles each way, rated easy with 50 feet of elevation gain. Free lot at the end of Buttermilk Falls Rd, off VT-103 1.5 mi south of Ludlow.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk Falls (this page) | — | 15 ft | easy · 0.5 mi | Y | Free |
| Buttermilk Middle Falls | 0 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Buttermilk Upper Falls | 0 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Wymans Falls | 10 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Hidden Falls | 13 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Crystal Cascade Falls | 13 mi | — | — | — | — |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~15 ft)
- Abrigo Falls15 ft
- Artist Point Falls15 ft
- Bartlett Falls15 ft
- Bechler Falls15 ft
- Butte Falls15 ft
Same best season in Vermont
- Lye Brook Falls125 ft
Questions visitors ask about Buttermilk Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Buttermilk Falls?
Buttermilk Falls is 15 feet (4.6 m) tall. Height is sourced from Vermont River Conservancy.
Is Buttermilk Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Buttermilk Falls is inside Buttermilk Falls Natural Area (Vermont River Conservancy). See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Buttermilk Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Buttermilk Falls Natural Area (Vermont River Conservancy) permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Buttermilk Falls?
Buttermilk Falls has a swimmable area. The lower pool is a 25-foot-wide, olive-green basin that is one of Vermont's most popular summer swimming holes — deep enough to swim, calm enough for kids.
When is the best time to visit Buttermilk Falls?
Peak flow is typically June, July, August, September. Season-wise: summer. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Buttermilk Falls?
No entrance fee. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area (Vermont River Conservancy) is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Buttermilk Falls from a major city?
Buttermilk Falls is 3 miles from Ludlow (about 4 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Vermont
Where it is
43.4357, -72.7262
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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