Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Buttermilk Falls
Better known as Yatesville Falls, this roughly 30-foot waterfall on Yatesville Creek is the centerpiece of the 712-acre Yatesville Falls State Forest in Montgomery County, south of I-90 near Rural Grove. A quarter-mile trail with a moderate grade leads from the parking area (reached by an unpaved forest access road off County Route 106) to an accessible viewing platform; flow is often low, so visit after rain.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 817 feet in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 30 feet.
Height: 30 feet
Trail & Hike Details
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 — 1.5 miles round-trip (out-and-back), ~500 feet elevation gain, difficulty: moderate. The trail follows a route of stone steps and short staircases with frequent viewpoints onto the cascading 165-foot falls and surrounding forest. Expect moderate grades and sections with uneven stone steps; surfaces can be slippery when wet, so sturdy, grippy footwear is recommended. This popular route provides close-up vistas of the tiers and is an accessible, well-signed park trail for most hikers.
What to Expect
The falls drop 30 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 and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the falls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
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 when lifeguards are present.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MOHAWK R ABOVE STATE HIGHWAY 30A AT FONDA NY (11 km away).
Today
Moderate
1922 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1702 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
1723 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
1943 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
2098 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
1821 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
1881 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, 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 Fultonville 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 measures about 81 feet of descent through Buttermilk Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 30 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 816 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 25 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 63 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 816 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 81 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
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 entrance of Buttermilk Falls State Park. Parking fees may apply during certain seasons.
Elevation
817 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.868685° N, -74.450692° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven and slippery. Bring water and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
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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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
KC's Corner Motel
Elegance Escape
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnstown
Haslett House - A Gilded Age Estate
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 city of Ithaca, which offers restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in the creek.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Apalachin
50 ftCurrent flow 95 ft³/s -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
45 ftCurrent flow 145 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
15 ftCurrent flow 1,530 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
104 ft -
05
Gloversville
77 ft -
06
Greenwood Lake
40 ftCurrent flow 45 ft³/s -
07
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 8 ft³/s -
08
Hudson Falls
60 ft -
09
Keeseville
128 ftCurrent flow 51 ft³/s -
10
Linwood
70 ftCurrent flow 24 ft³/s -
11
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 1 ft³/s -
12
Speculator
25 ft -
13
Wampsville
30 ftCurrent flow 16 ft³/s
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