Ludlow, Vermont
Ludlow, Vermont is the place to be for an active mountain vacation. Located in Windsor County in the south-central portion of the state, Ludlow is surrounded by state and national forests, farmland, and granite quarries. This picturesque little village is just what you think of when you imagine a New England hamlet. Incorporated in 1761 as part of the New Hampshire grants, Ludlow sits at the base of what was once called "Ludlow Mountain." The mountain now comprises the Okemo Mountain Ski Area, and is just one of the many areas near Ludlow that make outdoor enthusiasts giddy with excitement. A day's activities in Ludlow can include hiking, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, horseback riding, or hopping in your car for a scenic drive in the countryside.Okemo Mountain Ski Area looms over Ludlow, offering four-season fun for active vacationers. This is one of the only resorts in Vermont to be family owned. Its smaller size has made Okemo a popular spot for families. Mainly for beginners and intermediate skiers, Okemo has 18 lifts servicing 113 trails spread over 600 acres of trails. Snowboarders will love the two super pipes where they can practice their skills. When the snow melts, those same trails serve hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.
More active fun can be found in nearby Green Mountain National Forest. Encompassing a total of 350,000 acres, the forest is a one-stop shopping mall for outdoor fun that runs through the very heart of the state. Dense and pristine, the forest is home to an abundant wildlife population including black bears, coyotes, moose, and the protected peregrine falcon. Hapgood and Grout Ponds, located near Stratton, make great swimming holes. Anglers fly fish over 440 miles of rivers looking for brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Hiking enthusiasts can set out on the Appalachian Trail, which twists through the forest. Guided horseback tours of the park are also popular ways to spend an afternoon.
Still more active frivolity can be found nearby at the Killington Ski Area. Here you will find a large scale skiing adventure on the more than 1100 acres of skiable terrain that contains over 200 runs and 60 miles of trails. Visitors can ski or snowboard well into May due to the extensive snowmaking system and the 250 inches of annual snowfall that bless the Killington area each year. When the snows give way to Spring's thaw, Killington becomes the place for mountain biking enthusiasts. Whether you're an XC climber, a DH free styler, or a casual cruiser or first timer, Killington has over 40 miles of trails that can serve your needs. The trails range from easy coast-as-you-go rides to bumpy, rock laden adrenaline runs that will have your heart jumping out of your throat.
