Most people associate Stratton with ski season. And that makes sense. But southern Vermont between April and October is quieter and full of things to do.
We put together this list based on what our guests come back for year after year.
Hiking and Trail Running
The Stratton Mountain summit hike is 6.6 miles round-trip. At the top there’s a fire tower with 360-degree views of the Green Mountains. It’s also the spot where the Long Trail was first conceived, which is a fun piece of history to carry with you on the way up.
For something easier, Jamaica State Park has riverside trails along the West River. They’re flat and shaded. Good for families with younger kids. (For more on the village itself, see our guide to Jamaica, Vermont.) Both the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail pass through this area too, so there’s no shortage of options if you want to go longer.
Mountain Biking
Stratton Mountain Resort opens lift-served biking trails from June through October. There are flow trails for beginners and technical singletrack for more experienced riders. Rentals and lessons are available at the base lodge.
If you prefer cross-country, the West River Trail is 16 miles of converted rail trail. Flat, paved in sections. Scenic the whole way.
Golf
The Stratton Mountain Golf Course is a 27-hole championship course designed by Geoffrey Cornish. It’s consistently rated among Vermont’s best. Tee times on summer weekends fill up, so book ahead if that’s on your list.
Swimming Holes and Rivers
Hamilton Falls in Jamaica State Park is a 125-foot cascade you can reach by a 3-mile hike along the West River. Swimming at the base of the falls is prohibited, but there are pools nearby that are fair game.
The West River has calmer spots for swimming. And Hapgood Pond in Peru is a state recreation area with a sandy beach and lifeguards. It’s about 20 minutes from the Haus.
Farmers Markets and Local Food
The West River Farmers Market in Londonderry runs every Saturday from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, 9 AM to 1 PM. Over 40 vendors. Local cheese, maple syrup, produce, baked goods, handmade crafts. It’s a good Saturday morning routine if you’re staying for a week.
For dining out, Depot Street Tavern in West Dover and The Roadhouse in Jamaica are both solid. The Silver Fork in Manchester is worth the 25-minute drive for a nicer dinner.
Spring Events
Southern Vermont has a handful of events worth planning around in spring.
Earth Day celebrations happen in the Brattleboro area in mid to late April. Community cleanups, nature walks, food vendors. Manchester and Dorset run craft fairs on weekends throughout May. And starting in late April, local farms and maple sugar houses open their doors for tours and tastings. Several are within 20 minutes of the Haus.
The Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show
This one surprised us. The Vermont Summer Festival runs at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset from early July through early August. It’s a six-week hunter/jumper competition that draws riders from across the country.
Spectator admission is free. Even if horses aren’t your thing, the setting is worth the drive. Green fields backed by the Green Mountains. Dorset is about 35 minutes away.
Waterfalls
Spring is the best time for waterfalls in Vermont. Snowmelt pushes the volume up and the trails are empty.
Hamilton Falls is 125 feet and reaches peak flow in April and May. Lye Brook Falls in Manchester is the same height, reached by a 2.3-mile hike. Jamaica State Park opens in mid-May with over 700 acres along the West River. And Grout Pond and Stratton Pond offer backcountry hikes with alpine ponds off the Long Trail corridor.
Fall Foliage and Columbus Day Events
When the leaves turn, this part of Vermont is hard to beat.
Stratton Mountain’s HarvestFest happens every Columbus Day weekend. Live music, gondola rides, a brewfest and chili cookoff. There’s a vendor village with local artisans too. It’s 10 minutes from the Haus. Bromley Mountain runs scenic chairlift rides through peak foliage and keeps their Alpine Slide open through October. That’s about 22 minutes away.
Charming Town Days
Manchester Village is 25 minutes north. Designer outlets, the Hildene estate (Lincoln family home), galleries, restaurants. It’s an easy half-day trip.
Brattleboro is 40 minutes east and has a different feel. Independent bookstores, cafes, a gallery scene that punches above its weight.
Dorset and Weston are closer. Antique shops, the Dorset Quarry swimming hole. And the Weston Playhouse, which is Vermont’s oldest professional theater. Shows run June through October.
Summer Concerts and Theater
Stratton Mountain runs a summer concert series along with outdoor yoga and seasonal festivals. The Weston Playhouse is the standout though. Professional productions in a small Vermont village. It books up, so check their schedule early.
Food and Drink
Outdoor dining season starts in May across Manchester and Brattleboro. Foley Brothers Brewing and Whetstone Station are on tap at local restaurants. Citizen Cider too. Maple season runs March through April. Several working sugar houses within 20 minutes of the Haus offer tastings and tours during that window.
After a full day out, the hot tub is waiting. So is the barrel sauna. Four bedrooms, sleeps 10. Off-season rates apply through most of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do near Stratton Mountain in summer?
Hiking, mountain biking, golf, swimming holes, farmers markets, and live theater. Jamaica State Park and the West River Trail are both within 15 minutes. Stratton Resort opens lift-served biking from June through October.
How far is Stratton Ski Haus from Stratton Mountain?
About 10 minutes by car to the access road.
Are there waterfalls near Stratton Mountain?
Hamilton Falls in Jamaica State Park is 125 feet and reachable by a 3-mile hike. Lye Brook Falls in Manchester is the same height, about a 2.3-mile hike. Both are best in spring when snowmelt pushes the water volume up.
What happens at Stratton Mountain on Columbus Day weekend?
Stratton hosts HarvestFest every Columbus Day weekend. Live music, gondola rides, a brewfest and chili cookoff, vendor village. It runs Saturday and Sunday with family activities throughout.
Is there a farmers market near Stratton Mountain?
The West River Farmers Market in Londonderry runs every Saturday from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, 9 AM to 1 PM. Over 40 vendors. It’s about 15 minutes from Stratton Ski Haus.
What is the Vermont Summer Festival horse show?
A six-week hunter/jumper competition at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, running early July through early August. Spectator admission is free. About 35 minutes from the Haus.
What are some things to do for kids near Stratton Mountain?
Hapgood Pond has a sandy beach and lifeguards. Bromley Mountain has the longest Alpine Slide in North America, open through October. Jamaica State Park is good for easy riverside hikes. The Haus has a bunk room with four twin beds, board games, puzzles, kids’ books, and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.
Looking for more? Read our guides to the best restaurants near Stratton and where to stay near Stratton Mountain.