Is swimming allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,090 ft³/s · About average

Buttermilk Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

New York • 77 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

Loop

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is a cascade on an unnamed brook in the southern Adirondack foothills of the Town of Mayfield, Fulton County, northeast of Gloversville, where the stream descends toward the Jackson Summit Reservoir outlet and Great Sacandaga Lake. It is reached by an informal woods trail off Jackson Summit Road West and has no official trailhead, signage or published height.

The Setting

Buttermilk Falls sits at 1,417 feet in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 77 feet.

Height: 77 feet

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

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

Trail Description

Gorge Trail (Buttermilk Falls State Park) — 1.5-mile loop, ~500 ft elevation gain, difficulty: moderate. The trail follows the gorge and provides close-up views of the cascading falls and the main 165-foot drop. Expect built stone steps, footbridges, and multiple viewpoints as you move through the gorge; the route uses stair sections and short connector paths to link scenic overlooks into a loop.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 77 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 waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer is popular for swimming in designated areas.

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 allowed in designated areas.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

1,090 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

809 1.1k 2.4k 5.6k

Based on 11 years of record

20.53 ft

Water depth at gauge

64°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 64 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

325 µS/cm

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.

MOHAWK R ABOVE STATE HIGHWAY 30A AT FONDA NY

USGS 01349527

13.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2,118 sq mi

Altitude: 257 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MOHAWK R ABOVE STATE HIGHWAY 30A AT FONDA NY (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1090 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Low

1177 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Low

1240 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

1183 cfs

4/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

1010 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

1022 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

1152 cfs

5/10

Fri

Low

1245 cfs

4/10

Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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 Gloversville 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 shows the creek losing roughly 86 feet through Buttermilk Falls over a long run of ledges. It lines up with the 77 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 1,419 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 82 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 64 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Buttermilk Falls near Gloversville, New York, showing about 86 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,419 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 86 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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 park entrance is off Route 13, and the falls are easily accessible from the main parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the main entrance of Buttermilk Falls State Park. A parking fee may apply during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,417 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.134239° N, -74.295413° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for the hike. Be cautious on wet or uneven surfaces.

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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.