Okemo Mountain Resort and Ludlow, Vermont are perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts any time of year.

Green Mountain National Forest is a favorite place for adventurers. This 350,000-acre national forest features beautiful trees and an abundance of animal wildlife, including black bears, moose, and coyote. Summer-time visitors will enjoy taking a hike in Green Mountain’s beautiful woods – including trails that make up parts of the famous Appalachian trail that starts in Georgia - and then taking a dip in either Hapgood Pond or Ground Pond.

Sleigh Riding

In the winter, sleigh rides are a must-do. Several companies offer these magic rides in the area of the resort.

Cavendish Trail/Sleigh Rides
Available daily starting at 11 am.
1 day advance booking required.
(802) 226-7863

Hawk Mountain Resort
Sleigh Rides available on Saturday nights.
Need to call for reservations.
(802) 672-3811

Hi-Lo Farm in Springfield
Two side sleighs available.
Smaller sleigh holds 4 people and larger sleigh holds 14-16.
(802) 886-8441

Skating

Ice skating is another experience that every winter visitor to Okemo needs to try at least one. The resort houses a new regulation-sized indoor hockey rink and skating pavilion that also offers ski rentals. This facility is called the Ice House at Jackson Gore and offers very reasonable rates for skating and rentals. West Hill Recreational Area, which is about 5 minutes from Okemo, has an outdoor ice rink that is free to use. Hawk Mountain Resort also has an ice rink that is available for a small fee.

Ice House at Jackson Gore
(802) 228-1406

Hawk Mountain Resort
(802) 672-3811

Hiking

Whether you’re looking for a walk in the woods or a difficult and treacherous hike up a mountain, you’ll find it in Green Mountain National Forest. One great activity is to walk a bit of the Appalachian Trail, which winds through the forest. The trail, which originates in Georgia, attracts thousands of hikers each year who aim to walk the whole length of the trail.

The best walks for beginning hikers are relatively flat and no more than a few miles round trip. The Lowell Lake Trail is a good bet. Lowell Lake is located just off Route 11, and the trail starts at the dam and goes around the lake for about 3.5 miles. More serious hikers will want to check out parts of the Long Trail, the oldest long distance hiking trail in the country.

The Long Trail in Okemo

Mountain Biking

When spring sun melts the snow from the slopes, the mountains in Vermont become host to an altogether different type of fun – mountain biking! Both Okemo Mountain Resort and Killington Ski Area are favorite destinations for mountain biking enthusiasts in the summer. Trails range from relatively calm paths that a beginning cruiser would be comfortable on to steep and bumpy trails for the true extremist.

Fishing

Green Mountain National Forest features some 350,000 acres of land, and 440 miles of rivers. Fly-fishing is great in these waters. Brook, Rainbow, and Brown Trout are just a few of the varieties that can be caught in these pristine rivers.

There are few fishing spots that are perfect for beginners, kids, and casual sport. Camp PLymoth State Park behind Echo Lake rents row boats for a classic fishing experience. West Hill Park, located in Ludlow, Vermont, has a large trout pond that offers easy fishing from the shore. People under 15 can fish without a license, but older teens and adults must purchase a day pass for $15. Passes are available at local sporting goods and general stores.