On the second day of a Memorial Day long weekend trip in Upstate New York, after being completely amazed by the waterfall gorge at Watkins Glen, I still felt like I hadn’t had enough and decided to continue chasing waterfalls before sunset. I headed back near Ithaca and visited Buttermilk Falls. I did the Gorge Trail Loop, which is about 1.8 miles and takes a little over an hour. Compared to Watkins Glen, Buttermilk Falls had far fewer visitors, but in my opinion the waterfall and gorge scenery are just as impressive. It was a huge surprise and definitely worth recommending. Just like Watkins Glen, the creek water is extremely clear and clean, and the sound of flowing water is very soothing. It’s a really peaceful and beautiful place to visit. Parking is usually around $10, but I parked at the Dairy Queen lot about a 5-minute walk from the entrance and stayed for less than two hours.
Buttermilk Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Buttermilk Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Buttermilk Falls famous?
Buttermilk Falls is famous as one of the iconic waterfalls in Ithaca's "gorges are gorgeous" landscape, featuring a stunning 165-foot total cascade through a dramatic gorge with multiple swimming holes. The park has been a beloved New York State Park since 1924 and showcases the region's signature Devonian shale geology carved during the last ice age.
Can you swim at Buttermilk Falls?
Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas of the gorge and pool areas. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on trails; not permitted in swimming areas. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Buttermilk Falls free? Do you need a permit?
New York State Parks vehicle use fee applies (approximately $8–$10 per vehicle, rates subject to change). Empire Pass accepted. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Buttermilk Falls?
Parking is available at the park entrance; New York State Parks vehicle fee applies ($8–$10 per vehicle, subject to change). The lower park entrance provides closest access to the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Buttermilk Falls?
The main waterfall is visible from the lower park entrance with minimal walking (under 0.1 mi). The Gorge Trail is about 1.5 miles one-way ascending alongside cascades. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Buttermilk Falls hike difficulty
Easy to Moderate – the lower falls area is easily accessible, but the Gorge Trail involves stone steps, elevation gain, and uneven terrain. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Buttermilk Falls?
Late spring to early summer (May–June) for highest water flow from snowmelt and spring rains, or fall (September–October) for colorful foliage. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Buttermilk Falls
From the lower parking area, walk a short distance to view the main Buttermilk Falls cascade. For a longer hike, take the Gorge Trail which ascends along the gorge with stone steps and multiple viewpoints of cascades. The trail climbs approximately 500 feet to the upper park area and Buttermilk Lake. Swimming areas are located in designated pools along the gorge.
Buttermilk Falls official website
Attractions near Buttermilk Falls
- •Robert H. Treman State Park – another gorge with waterfalls and swimming, 3 miles south
- •Taughannock Falls State Park – 215-foot waterfall, tallest in Northeast, 10 miles north
- •Ithaca Falls – 150-foot roadside waterfall in downtown Ithaca, 2 miles away
- •Cornell University campus and botanical gardens – 3 miles northeast
- •Cayuga Lake – Finger Lakes wine country and boat launches, adjacent to Ithaca
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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