Are there fees or permits required for Buttermilk Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Buttermilk Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Live Conditions · 50 ft³/s · About average

Buttermilk Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Pennsylvania • 45 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)

j-dub1980(THANK YOU FOR 100k+ Views) CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

daveynin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

donXfive CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Michael M Stokes CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

donXfive CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania tumbles roughly 45 feet over a rocky ledge into a tranquil pool, framed by mixed hardwoods and mossy outcrops. Though “Buttermilk Falls” is a name shared by multiple cascades across the country (as noted on Wikipedia), this particular site is prized locally for its photogenic plunge and approachable setting, making it a popular stop for nature lovers and photographers. You reach the falls via a compact but rewarding out-and-back hike — the trail is 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate. The route is well maintained and includes a short staircase and a sturdy viewing platform that brings you close to the water, so plan on a couple of hours for a relaxed visit and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

The Setting

Buttermilk Falls sits at 1,476 feet along the Towanda Creek, in the foothills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 45 feet.

Height: 45 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Dry Run Falls (15 ft) lies 8.3 miles to the southeast.

Dry Run Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Out-and-back trail, 2.4 miles round trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route is well maintained and includes a short staircase and a viewing platform for close-up views of the 45-foot cascade. Expect steady uphill sections on the return; the trail’s condition and features make it suitable for hikers comfortable with moderate grades and short stairways.

What to Expect

The falls drop 45 feet. 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 summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest after rainfall or snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The trail and viewing platform can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution near the waterfall and stay on designated paths.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Strong

50 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 7 70 223

Based on 16 years of record

3.36 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.

Towanda Creek near Franklindale, PA

USGS 01531908

14.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 112 sq mi

Altitude: 893 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Towanda Creek near Franklindale, PA (23 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

50 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Strong

50 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

66 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

52 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

101 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

79 cfs

9/10

Sun

Strong

63 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

54 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March 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 Forksville 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 86 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 45 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,479 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 87 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 80 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Buttermilk Falls near Forksville, Pennsylvania, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Buttermilk Falls near Forksville, Pennsylvania, showing about 86 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,479 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 86 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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 near New Florence, Pennsylvania, in Indiana County. It is accessible via Buttermilk Falls Road, with clear signage leading to the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking lot available near the trailhead, which can accommodate several vehicles.

Elevation

1,476 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.536524° N, -76.745967° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery near the waterfall. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.