Buttermilk Falls
Ontario • 18 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a roadside falls on the Kennisis River in the Stanhope area of Haliburton County, where the river drops into Boshkung Lake. It sits beside the Buttermilk Falls picnic area at 16909 Highway 35, about 8 km north of Carnarvon. Logs once ran down its chute to a mill in Minden, a concrete sluiceway remains from that era, and the falls were earlier called White Horse Rapids and Davis' Rapids.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 324 metres in the foothills of Ontario. The falls drop 18 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Buttermilk Falls flows over hard crystalline rock, primarily gneiss, laid down over 1.0-1.6 billion years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating a 59-foot drop where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The falls are about a five-minute walk from the picnic area parking. A longer walk follows the river between Halls Lake and Boshkung Lake.
What to Expect
The falls drop 18 metres over hard crystalline rock.
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 not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Buttermilk Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (snowmelt and rain) for highest flows and dramatic water; late spring through early fall for milder weather and easier hiking. Early fall can offer attractive foliage. Winter visits are possible but can be hazardous due to ice, snow, and unstable banks, only attempt in winter with appropriate experience and equipment.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards to be aware of: • Slippery, wet rocks and algae, high risk of falls and injury. • Unmarked or unstable edges and drop-offs near the falls. • Cold, fast-moving water and submerged hazards, never assume safe swimming. • Sudden changes in water flow after rain or upstream releases. • Winter ice can be brittle and conceal hazards; ice-related incidents are common near waterfalls. • Limited or no emergency services or cell coverage in some spots, carry a map, inform someone of your plans, and consider a personal locator/beacon if venturing off-grid. Always exercise caution, supervise children closely, and stay a safe distance from the water's edge.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Black River, 26.5 km away, not on Buttermilk Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1.4 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 19 years of record
8.79 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge BLACK RIVER NEAR VANKOUGHNET (26 km away).
Today
Low
1.4 m³/s
5/10Tomorrow
Low
1.5 m³/s
5/10Sat
Low
1.4 m³/s
5/10Sun
Low
1.4 m³/s
5/10Mon
Low
1.5 m³/s
5/10Tue
Low
1.5 m³/s
5/10Wed
Low
1.7 m³/s
4/10Best window: Today — low flow, cloudy (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March 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 WSC 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 Orillia hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Carnarvon, drive about 8 km north on Highway 35 and watch for the Buttermilk Falls sign. The picnic area address is 16909 Highway 35.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is at the picnic area, about a five-minute walk from the falls. Public washrooms are available.
Elevation
324 metres above sea level
Coordinates
45.094730° N, -78.745006° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Use the provided GPS coordinates and a current map; local road names and pull-offs may not be well signed. • Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear; rocks and trails near the falls are often wet and slippery. • Leave no trace: pack out all garbage and avoid disturbing vegetation or wildlife. • Watch small children closely; there are likely unguarded edges and fast water. • Check recent trip reports or local conservation authority/municipal notices for access changes, seasonal hazards, or private property restrictions before visiting. • If you see posted rules on site (dogs leashed, no swimming, private property, etc.), follow them.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Kinark Outdoor Centre
8.2 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Boshkung Lake, Halls Lake and Carnarvon are close by, and the falls lie between Minden, Haliburton and Dorset.
Wildlife
Expect typical central Ontario wildlife: songbirds, small mammals (squirrels, hares), white-tailed deer, and insects. Black bears and moose may be present in parts of the broader region, exercise standard wildlife precautions. Ticks can be active in warmer months; use insect repellent and check for ticks after hikes.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across Canada.
-
01
Apalachin
50 ftCurrent flow 67 ft³/s -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
45 ftCurrent flow 184 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
15 ftCurrent flow 2,060 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
104 ftCurrent flow 14 ft³/s -
05
Fultonville
30 ftCurrent flow 1,800 ft³/s -
06
Gloversville
77 ftCurrent flow 1,800 ft³/s -
07
Greenwood Lake
40 ftCurrent flow 93 ft³/s -
08
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 13 ft³/s -
09
Hudson Falls
60 ftCurrent flow 16 ft³/s -
10
Keeseville
128 ft -
11
Linwood
70 ftCurrent flow 27 ft³/s -
12
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 2 ft³/s -
13
Speculator
25 ftCurrent flow 173 ft³/s -
14
Wampsville
30 ftCurrent flow 14 ft³/s
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