Cool Off Near Ludlow: 6 Swimming Holes and Lakes in the Okemo Valley
From the cascade pools of Buttermilk Falls to the sandy beach at Echo Lake, here's your guide to the best swimming spots near Ludlow, VT - all within an hour of The Governor's Inn.
Cool Off Near Ludlow: 6 Swimming Holes and Lakes in the Okemo Valley
When the July heat settles into the Okemo Valley, the Green Mountains offer something better than air conditioning: cold, clear water. Lucky for guests at The Governor's Inn, some of Vermont's best swimming holes and lakes are just minutes from your room at 86 Main Street. Here's where to cool off on your summer getaway.
Buttermilk Falls: Ludlow's Backyard Swimming Hole
Three miles from downtown Ludlow, Buttermilk Falls is the swimming hole that locals hope visitors don't discover. A short, easy walk from the road leads to a series of three cascading waterfalls, each emptying into wide, rocky pools deep enough for a full swim. The water is mountain-cold even in late July, which is exactly the point. There's no admission fee, no facilities, and no crowds if you time it right -- arrive before noon on a weekend and you may have a pool to yourself.
Distance from the inn: 5 minutes by car
Camp Plymouth State Park: Sandy Beach on Echo Lake
If you're traveling with kids or just prefer sand between your toes over river rocks, Camp Plymouth State Park is your spot. Located on the eastern shore of Echo Lake about five miles north of Ludlow, the park has a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, changing facilities, and picnic pavilions. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available on-site, making it easy to turn a morning swim into a full afternoon on the water. Day-use admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child -- some of the best value in Vermont recreation.
Distance from the inn: 10 minutes by car
Twenty-Foot Hole: A Hidden Gorge in Reading
For something a little more adventurous, head to the village of Reading and follow the North Branch of the Black River to Twenty-Foot Hole. This natural gorge features three distinct blue-green swimming and wading pools carved into the bedrock over centuries. A short 0.2-mile walk along the river connects them, and the cascading water keeps everything crystal clear. It's a quieter alternative to Buttermilk Falls and worth the extra few minutes of driving.
Distance from the inn: 15-20 minutes by car
Cavendish Gorge: For the adventurous
Just south of Ludlow in the town of Cavendish, the Black River cuts through a rugged rock gorge that creates some of the most dramatic swimming pools in the region. Cavendish Gorge is an unofficial spot -- no signs, no facilities, no lifeguards -- which means you should use caution on slippery rocks and skip it if you're with young children. But for confident swimmers, the deep, cool pools framed by steep rock walls are unforgettable. Free to access.
Distance from the inn: 10-15 minutes by car
Lowell Lake State Park: Paddle and Swim in Peace
Fifteen miles south of Ludlow in Londonderry, Lowell Lake State Park is a quiet, non-motorized lake where swimming is allowed from the shore or off a kayak. There are no lifeguards and no designated beach, which keeps crowds away -- but that's the appeal. Bring a paddleboard or rent a canoe, find a private cove, and float in the kind of silence that people drive hours to find. The park is currently free for day use.
Distance from the inn: 25 minutes by car
Bomoseen State Park: Vermont's Largest Inland Lake
If you're willing to drive a little farther, Bomoseen State Park on Lake Bomoseen in Castleton is worth the trip. Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake located entirely within Vermont, and the state park has a dedicated sandy swimming beach, hot showers, concessions, and boat rentals. It's a full-scale lake day with all the amenities -- a great option for a rest day between hiking and mountain biking at Okemo. Day-use admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child. The nearby Crystal Beach in Castleton offers another public access point if the park lot is full.
Distance from the inn: 45-50 minutes by car
Plan Your Swimming Getaway
The beauty of staying at The Governor's Inn is that you can start the day with Buttermilk Falls, spend the afternoon at Echo Lake, and still be back on our porch with a glass of wine before dinner. No long drives, no crowded resort pools -- just cold Vermont water and mountain air.
A few tips:
- Water shoes help. Riverbeds are rocky; sneakers work in a pinch.
- Check conditions before you go. The Vermont State Parks water status page posts swim conditions and any closures.
- Go early. Buttermilk Falls and Twenty-Foot Hole are popular on weekends -- before 11 AM is golden.
- Combine it with dinner. Every spot on this list is close enough to town that you can swim all afternoon and still make your reservation at one of Ludlow's great restaurants.
Ready to dive in? Book your stay at The Governor's Inn and discover why a Vermont summer is best spent in the water.
