Healdville Trail
The Healdville Trail climbs from the base to the summit of Okemo Mountain in Ludlow and Mount Holly. Highlights of this trail include the former fire lookout tower on the summit and a vista along the trail with views to the north and west. Crews from the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps constructed the trail under the direction of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation during the summers of 1991-1993.
The blue-blazed trail starts out on an old logging road that crosses a small bridge and follows along the railroad tracks a short distance. It then turns right, away from the tracks. It crosses a second bridge (0.2 mi) and parallels a brook before crossing it on a third bridge (0.7 mi). The trail climbs steadily on switchbacks to a plateau (1.5 mi) where the trail flattens out and follows the mountain contour. The trail then crosses a stony brook bed (2.0 mi) and climbs to an overlook (2.3 mi) with views to the north (Salt Ash Mountain, Shrewsbury Peak, Killington Peak, Little Killington Peak, Mendon Peak) and west (Taconic mountain range). Beyond the overlook, the trail climbs steeply upward for about ½ mile. The trail levels, coming to the remains of a forest lookout ranger’s cabin (2.9 mi), and just beyond the cabin, intersects with the trail from the Mountain Road. Turn right at this signed trail intersection and continue to the fire tower (3.0 mi). The trail ends at the fire tower. The view from the tower includes the Okemo Resort ski area on the eastern flank of the mountain; Mount Ascutney to the east; Glebe Mountain, Mount Snow (in the far distance) okemoStratton Mountain, and Bromley Mountain to the south; Dorset Peak and the Taconics to the west; and Killington Peak to the north.
Return to the parking area by descending the same route.
Trail Facts
Distance: 3.0 miles (one way)
Elevation: 1,400 ft at trailhead
3,343 ft at summit
Blazed in Blue
Hiking Time: 4 hours round trip
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Mountain Road - Summit Trail
A short hike (0.3 miles one way) to the fire tower and summit of Okemo Mountain is available seasonally from the top of the paved Okemo Mountain Road. Drive up the paved road and park in the wide gravel area at the end of the road being careful not to block the gate. Walk around the gate and up the gravel surfaced work road approximately 0.2 miles. When approaching the height of land, look for an Okemo Summit Trail sign on the right. Turn right and follow trail 0.1 mile to signed intersection with the Healdville Trail. Continue straight to fire tower.
Return to parking area using same route.
About the Forest
Okemo State Forest provides many varied recreational opportunities. The paved Okemo Mountain Road is one of the most popular attractions on the forest providing motorists, hikers, and bikers access to the mountain summit and hosting special events such as sports car hill climbs. During the winter, the road becomes part of the Okemo Mountain Resort, one of Vermont’s major ski areas.
Okemo State Forest encompasses 7,323 acres in the towns of Andover, Ludlow, Mount Holly and Weston. A Civilian Conservation Corps camp was established on the property in 1935. Construction projects by the CCC include the fire tower, a ranger’s cabin and an automobile access road. The majority of Okemo Mountain Resort’s ski terrain is located within a leased portion of Okemo State Forest. Okemo State Forest is managed for multiple uses under a long-term management plan; these uses include forest products, recreation and wildlife habitat. Okemo State Forest provides an important wildlife corridor between Green Mountain National Forest lands to the south and Coolidge State Forest to the north. Okemo State Forest includes Buttermilk Falls, a series of scenic waterfalls on Broad Brook in Ludlow. Buttermilk Falls Road is located off Route 103 just north of the intersection of Routes 100 and 103
Visit VT Department of Forest, Parks & Recreation online for more information or contact:
VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation District 1: Springfield DistrictA gravel surfaced parking lot is located at the trailhead. The parking lot is not plowed during the winter.
Directions to the Healdville Trail Parking Area
From Ludlow: From the intersection of Vermont Routes 100 and 103, head west on Vermont Route 103; turn left on Station Road (2.7 mi). Turn left again just after the railroad tracks (0.8 mi) and park in the lot at the end of the gravel road.
From Rutland: From the intersection of US Route 7 and Vermont Route 103, head south on Vermont 103; turn right on Station Road (15 mi). Turn left just after the railroad tracks (0.8 mi) and park in the lot at the end of the gravel road
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