Buttermilk Falls
New York • 165 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a striking multi-tiered waterfall plunging a total of about 165 feet along Buttermilk Creek, tucked into Buttermilk Falls State Park near Ithaca. The falls cascade through a narrow, forested gorge, creating a series of photogenic drops and pools that make this one of the Finger Lakes region’s most popular and accessible waterfall destinations. A short, well-maintained route leads hikers from the park to the base of the falls, making it a family-friendly outing with big payoff for little effort. The primary approach is an easy 0.5-mile out-and-back with roughly 100 feet of elevation gain; for those wanting more, the Gorge Trail continues upstream to additional cascades and dramatic gorge vistas.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 722 feet along the Black Creek, in the foothills of New York. At 165 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 165 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Length: 0.5 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~100 feet. Difficulty: Easy. Trail type: Out-and-back. The trail is short and well-maintained, descending to the base of the multi-tiered 165-foot waterfall along Buttermilk Creek. Hikers can continue upstream on the Gorge Trail to see more cascades and overlook points along the carved gorge.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 165 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Buttermilk Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $9.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Buttermilk Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is strongest after snowmelt or rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer is ideal for picnicking and hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on the falls. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make trails hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
401 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 80 years of record
3.46 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK CREEK AT CHURCHVILLE NY (13 km away).
Today
Roaring
401 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
393 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
405 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
405 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
405 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
438 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
454 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Linwood hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Buttermilk Falls is located in Buttermilk Falls State Park, just south of Ithaca, New York. The park entrance is off Route 13, and the falls are easily accessible from the main parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking lot near the base of the falls. Parking is typically available, but it can fill up during peak seasons. A small fee may be required for parking.
Elevation
722 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.005339° N, -77.973067° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the Gorge Trail, as it can be slippery near the water. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
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For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
The Modern Forge NY, Honeoye Lake
Baymont by Wyndham Batavia - Darien Lake
La Quinta by Wyndham Batavia
Best Western Brockport Inn & Suites
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the Ithaca area, such as Taughannock Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park, are worth visiting. The city of Ithaca also offers restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Wildlife
The park is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in the creek.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Apalachin
165 ftCurrent flow 682 ft³/s -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
165 ftCurrent flow 196 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
165 ftCurrent flow 775 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
165 ftCurrent flow 13 ft³/s -
05
Fultonville
165 ftCurrent flow 945 ft³/s -
06
Gloversville
165 ftCurrent flow 945 ft³/s -
07
Greenwood Lake
165 ftCurrent flow 183 ft³/s -
08
Highland Falls
-
09
Hudson Falls
165 ftCurrent flow 45 ft³/s -
10
Keeseville
165 ftCurrent flow 72 ft³/s -
11
Palenville
165 ftCurrent flow 1 ft³/s -
12
Speculator
165 ftCurrent flow 184 ft³/s -
13
Wampsville
165 ftCurrent flow 19 ft³/s
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