Buttermilk Falls
New York • 50 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a roughly 50-foot staircase cascade on a small tributary of Catatonk Creek, tucked into a ravine beside Spaulding Hill Road a few minutes northwest of Owego village in Tioga County. It is a short roadside stop rather than a hike, and because the drainage is small the falls can run nearly dry in late summer, so visit after rain or snowmelt.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 932 feet along the Owego Creek, in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 50 feet.
Height: 50 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Out-and-back 2.4 miles, ~350 ft elevation gain, difficulty: moderate. The trail is well-maintained and follows the steep-walled Buttermilk Gorge, featuring rocky steps and short flights where the path negotiates the bedrock. The route leads directly to the base of the 165-foot cascade; beyond the main falls the Gorge Trail continues upstream for hikers seeking more viewpoints and additional cascades and pools.
What to Expect
The falls drop 50 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 ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides opportunities for picnicking and exploring the park.
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, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on the rocks. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas when lifeguards are present.
Current Water Conditions
90 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 56 years of record
1.05 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge OWEGO CREEK NEAR OWEGO NY (1 km away).
Today
Moderate
90 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
90 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
87 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
90 cfs
6/10Sat
Strong
90 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
97 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
90 cfs
9/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Apalachin hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 148 feet through Buttermilk Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 50 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 953 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 82 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 64 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 953 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 148 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Buttermilk Falls is located in Buttermilk Falls State Park, just south of Ithaca, New York. The main entrance is off Route 13, and the falls are easily accessible from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking lot near the base of the falls, with ample space for visitors. Parking fees may apply during peak seasons.
Elevation
932 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.131719° N, -76.287875° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore beyond the base of the falls, as the Gorge Trail can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Owego
DEEPWELL MOTEL
Kiteville Owego
Cozy Retreat w/ Sunroom Near Binghamton University
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 nearby attractions include Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and the Finger Lakes wineries.
Wildlife
The park is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the streams.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Claverack-Red Mills
165 ftCurrent flow 153 ft³/s -
02
Cohoes
165 ftCurrent flow 2,280 ft³/s -
03
East Worcester
165 ftCurrent flow 8 ft³/s -
04
Fultonville
165 ftCurrent flow 909 ft³/s -
05
Gloversville
165 ftCurrent flow 909 ft³/s -
06
Greenwood Lake
165 ftCurrent flow 50 ft³/s -
07
Highland Falls
-
08
Hudson Falls
165 ftCurrent flow 33 ft³/s -
09
Keeseville
165 ftCurrent flow 51 ft³/s -
10
Linwood
165 ft -
11
Palenville
165 ftCurrent flow 1 ft³/s -
12
Speculator
165 ftCurrent flow 178 ft³/s -
13
Wampsville
165 ftCurrent flow 15 ft³/s
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