Buttermilk Falls
New York • 165 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a striking 165-foot cascade tucked inside Buttermilk Falls State Park near Ithaca, New York. Known for its cascading tiers and picturesque surroundings, the falls pour through a scenic gorge that makes for dramatic photos and easy-to-enjoy viewpoints, drawing hikers and sightseers year-round. The most common approach is the Gorge Trail, a moderate out-and-back that climbs roughly 500 feet over 1.5 miles to multiple overlooks of the falls. Note that “Buttermilk Falls” is a common name used by several waterfalls (per Wikipedia), so this entry refers specifically to the falls within Buttermilk Falls State Park just outside Ithaca.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 817 feet in the foothills of New York. At 165 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 165 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 plunge 165 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.
Current Water Conditions
2,160 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 11 years of record
20.58 ft
Water depth at gauge
72°F
ComfortablePleasant for swimming
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. The water is a comfortable 72 degrees F, pleasant for swimming. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MOHAWK R ABOVE STATE HIGHWAY 30A AT FONDA NY (11 km away).
Today
Moderate
2160 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
2431 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
2724 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
2282 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
2462 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
2625 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
2347 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, 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
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
165 ft -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
165 ftCurrent flow 125 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
165 ftCurrent flow 2,330 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
165 ftCurrent flow 19 ft³/s -
05
Gloversville
165 ftCurrent flow 1,420 ft³/s -
06
Greenwood Lake
165 ftCurrent flow 53 ft³/s -
07
Highland Falls
Current flow 2 ft³/s -
08
Hudson Falls
165 ftCurrent flow 40 ft³/s -
09
Keeseville
165 ftCurrent flow 205 ft³/s -
10
Linwood
165 ftCurrent flow 92 ft³/s -
11
Palenville
165 ft -
12
Speculator
165 ftCurrent flow 260 ft³/s -
13
Wampsville
165 ftCurrent flow 43 ft³/s
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