Is swimming allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Live Conditions · 11 ft³/s · About average

Buttermilk Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

New York • 104 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 22 other waterfalls also named Buttermilk Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

Dougtone CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls, sometimes called Ferris Falls, is a tiered cascade on Oak Creek in the Town of Decatur, Otsego County, a few miles north of East Worcester. It sits directly below the road near the County Road 38 and Lum Road intersection and can be viewed from the roadside, with a short scramble down to the creek.

The Setting

Buttermilk Falls sits at 1,781 feet along the Cobleskill Creek, in the hills of New York. At 104 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.

Height: 104 feet

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Gorge Trail (Buttermilk Falls State Park) — out-and-back, approximately 1.5 miles round trip with about 500 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The trail follows Buttermilk Creek through the gorge, passing the base of the 165-foot falls and several smaller cascades. Expect built stone steps and short, steep sections with rocky footing and stair climbs; well-defined path but a steady grade in places. Managed as a state park trail (New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation).

What to Expect

The falls cascade 104 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

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 summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the falls frozen in ice.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

11 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 8 years of record

2.99 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

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

COBLESKILL CREEK AT S GRAND ST AT COBLESKILL NY

USGS 01351298

10.9 miles from waterfall

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COBLESKILL CREEK AT S GRAND ST AT COBLESKILL NY (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

11 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

11 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

11 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

13 cfs

8/10

Tue

Low

11 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

17 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

97 cfs

6/10

Fri

Low

60 cfs

6/10

Best window: Mon — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late April, peaking in March.

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 East Worcester 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 123 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. It lines up with the 104 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 1,781 feet.

The ground changes about 150 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 45 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Buttermilk Falls near East Worcester, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Buttermilk Falls near East Worcester, New York, showing about 123 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,781 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 123 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).

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 Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking lot near the base of the falls. Parking may fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

1,781 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.656306° N, -74.696307° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views. Arrive early to avoid crowds, particularly on weekends.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 1.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.