What to Do Near Stratton Mountain in Summer: A Vermont Guide (2026)

Stratton Mountain draws over 300,000 skiers every winter. But from June through October, the same region transforms into something entirely different: quiet trails, warm lakes, farm-to-table dining, and green mountains in every direction. If you’ve only visited in ski season, you’re missing the other half of what makes southern Vermont worth the trip.

Here’s what to do near Stratton Mountain during the summer months, from the mountain itself to the surrounding towns of Jamaica, Winhall, and Manchester.

Hiking Near Stratton Mountain

The Stratton Mountain summit trail is a 6.6-mile round-trip hike that rewards you with 360-degree views from a historic fire tower at 3,940 feet. On clear days, you can see across four New England states. The trail follows a section of the Long Trail and gains about 1,700 feet of elevation, making it a solid half-day hike for intermediate hikers.

For something easier, the Stratton Pond Trail offers an 11.2-mile round-trip through dense forest to one of the most popular backcountry ponds on the Long Trail. The terrain is relatively flat, and the pond is a great spot for a swim or a paddle if you pack an inflatable kayak.

The nearby Jamaica State Park has shorter family-friendly hikes along the West River, including a 1.5-mile walk to Hamilton Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Vermont.

Mountain Biking at Stratton Bike Park

Stratton opens its lift-served bike park from June through October, with 10+ miles of downhill trails ranging from beginner flow trails to technical singletrack. Full suspension mountain bike rentals are available at the base, along with lessons, camps, and guided rides. Season passes and day tickets are available, and the gondola ride up gives you panoramic views before you drop in.

If you prefer cross-country riding, the gravel roads around Jamaica and Winhall are spectacular. Route 30 north through Rawsonville connects to some of the best dirt road cycling in southern Vermont, with minimal traffic and rolling farmland views.

Swimming and Water Activities

Vermont summers center around water, and the Stratton area has some gems. The Pikes Falls swimming hole in Jamaica is a local favorite with smooth rock formations and a deep pool at the base of a cascading waterfall. Arrive early on weekends because parking fills up by late morning.

Ball Mountain Dam in Jamaica creates a reservoir popular for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The West River below the dam offers tubing on lazy summer afternoons. For a quieter option, Lowell Lake State Park in Londonderry has a pristine lake surrounded by forest with canoe and kayak access (no motorboats allowed).

Golf at Stratton Mountain

The Stratton Mountain Golf Course is a 27-hole championship course designed by Geoffrey Cornish. It winds through the Green Mountain National Forest at 2,000 feet elevation, with views of the surrounding peaks from nearly every hole. The course is well-maintained, the pace is relaxed, and tee times are available from mid-May through October. Non-members are welcome, though booking in advance is recommended during peak summer weekends.

Manchester: Shopping, Dining, and Culture

Manchester is a 25-minute drive from Stratton and serves as the commercial hub for the region. The town blends outlet shopping (Orvis flagship store, designer outlets) with a walkable downtown filled with independent restaurants, bookstores, and galleries.

Worth visiting: Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, which offers tours of the estate, gardens, and a working goat dairy. The Northshire Bookstore is one of the best independent bookshops in New England. For dinner, Depot 62 and The Copper Grouse are local picks that reliably deliver without the tourist-trap feel.

Scenic Gondola Rides and Summit Yoga

Even if you’re not hiking or biking, you can ride the Stratton gondola to the summit for panoramic views. The mountain offers Mountain Top Yoga sessions on weekends, where you take the gondola up and do a 90-minute class on a wooden deck at the summit. It’s one of those experiences that feels uniquely Vermont.

The resort also runs a summer concert series, outdoor festivals, and family-friendly events throughout the season. Check the Stratton events calendar closer to your visit for the current lineup.

Farmers Markets and Local Food

The Londonderry Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings through the summer with local produce, artisan bread, maple syrup, and Vermont cheeses. For a farm visit, Taylor Farm in Londonderry offers tours and sells their own gouda and smoked cheeses. The Jamaica Country Store is worth a stop for sandwiches, local goods, and genuine small-town Vermont atmosphere.

For a full restaurant guide, check out our list of the best restaurants near Stratton Mountain, covering everything from wood-fired pizza to sushi.

Where to Stay for a Summer Trip

Summer is Stratton’s quieter season, which means better rates and more availability for lodging. For groups, a private cabin or house rental gives you space to spread out, cook meals with farmers market finds, and come back to a hot tub after a day on the trails.

Stratton Ski Haus works just as well in summer as it does in ski season. The Nordic A-frame cabin sleeps 10, with a Finnish barrel sauna, hot tub, chef’s kitchen, and a wooded setting that feels miles from everything. It’s 10 minutes from the mountain and central to all the hiking, biking, and swimming spots on this list. Book direct for the best rates.

When to Visit

Peak summer (July and August) brings the warmest weather and the most activities. September and early October deliver Vermont’s legendary fall foliage, with color typically peaking in the Stratton area during the first two weeks of October. June is quieter and cooler, with longer days and fewer visitors. There’s no wrong time, but each month offers a different version of the same beautiful place.