Buttermilk Falls
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 one of several waterfalls that share this popular name (see Wikipedia), and this Pennsylvania site is known for its soothing cascade over layered rock that creates a peaceful, photogenic setting. The falls are often visited for an easy-to-enjoy outing where the sound of tumbling water and the surrounding forest make for a restorative stop on a day hike. The hike to the falls follows a moderately paced out-and-back route that gains about 350 feet over the round trip, making it a good half-day excursion for hikers who want a bit of exercise without committing to a long backcountry route. Trails and conditions can change with the seasons, so plan for slippery rock and mud after rain and bring footwear suited to wet trails.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 381 feet along the Brodhead Creek, in the coastal lowlands of Pennsylvania.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. No specific USFS trail name or number, or detailed USFS surface/grade/class data, was provided for this route. The trail is generally well-defined but can become muddy or slippery after rain, so sturdy, traction-capable footwear is recommended. Expect a mix of forest tread and rocky sections as you approach the base of the falls.
What to Expect
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?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Buttermilk Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the falls if they freeze.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on slippery rocks near the falls. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost. Be aware of ticks and other insects in the area.
Current Water Conditions
142 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
0.73 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 Brodhead Creek at Minisink Hills, PA (2 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
142 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
151 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
163 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
166 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
162 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
172 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
198 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Delaware Water Gap 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 70 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 377 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 26 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 31 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 377 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 70 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Buttermilk Falls is located near Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg, and Arlington Heights. The coordinates for the falls are 41.0098, -75.1321. Visitors can access the falls via local roads, and signage may guide you to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
381 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.009817° N, -75.132123° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting after rain, as the trail may be slippery. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views.
Where to Stay
Pocono Mountain Villas MOD Collection by Sonesta
Cozy Corner
The Penn Stroud, Stroudsburg - Poconos, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Staybridge Suites East Stroudsburg - Poconos by IHG
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.
Nearby Campground
Alosa Campsites
9.6 miles away · 6 sites
Overview The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream. This section of the river offers unspoiled views, excellent boating, fishing, and birding opportunities within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River. These reservation-only campsites are avail
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill Falls, and the Appalachian Trail are nearby attractions worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes during warmer months.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Apalachin
50 ft -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
45 ftCurrent flow 156 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
15 ftCurrent flow 5,530 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
104 ft -
05
Fultonville
30 ftCurrent flow 2,270 ft³/s -
06
Gloversville
77 ftCurrent flow 2,270 ft³/s -
07
Greenwood Lake
40 ftCurrent flow 308 ft³/s -
08
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 77 ft³/s -
09
Hudson Falls
60 ftCurrent flow 36 ft³/s -
10
Keeseville
128 ftCurrent flow 77 ft³/s -
11
Linwood
70 ft -
12
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 11 ft³/s -
13
Speculator
25 ft -
14
Wampsville
30 ft
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