Buttermilk Falls
New York • 40 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a small cascade on a mountain brook that drops toward Long House Creek along Buttermilk Falls Road, on the western slope of Bellvale Mountain in the Town of Warwick, Orange County, between the village of Warwick and Greenwood Lake. It is a USGS-named feature that lends the road its name but is not a developed attraction; there is no marked trail, the land around it is private, and the falls are best glimpsed from the road where the brook passes beneath it.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 886 feet along the Ramapo River, in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 40 feet.
Height: 40 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 (out-and-back) — distance: ~1.5 miles round trip, elevation gain: ~500 ft, difficulty: moderate. Surface and features: a mix of carved stone steps, packed dirt, exposed rock and wooden bridges with constructed viewpoints along the gorge. Grade/class: trail includes short, steep pitches and stairway sections through the ravine; overall class is a moderate day-hike with uneven footing. Conditions: sections can be slick after rain or during spring melt, so use caution on stairs, rock ledges and bridges.
What to Expect
The falls drop 40 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 waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides unique ice formations.
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
321 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 47 years of record
3.19 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
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 RAMAPO RIVER AT RAMAPO NY (16 km away).
Today
Roaring
321 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
487 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
487 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
442 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
633 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
520 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
542 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, 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 Greenwood Lake 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 120 feet of drop through Buttermilk Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That is more than the listed 40 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 884 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 96 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 32 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
- 884 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 120 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, approximately 2 miles south of downtown 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 area near the base of the falls, which is typically sufficient for visitors. Parking fees may apply during peak seasons.
Hours
Elevation
886 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.220094° N, -74.334874° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail can be uneven and slippery. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring water and snacks, and be prepared for steep sections of the trail.
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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
Cottage at Millpond Falls - A Romantic Escape
1 Hour Drive from MetLife Stadium, World Cup Base, Lakeview Villa with Private Hot Tub, Firepit & Spacious Decks with Breathtaking Cliff Views
Cromwell Manor Inn
13-Acre Private Estate, Private Lake, Private Golf Range, Private Forest & Hiking Trails
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and the Finger Lakes Wine Trail.
Wildlife
The park is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the streams.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Apalachin
50 ftCurrent flow 57 ft³/s -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
45 ftCurrent flow 101 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
15 ftCurrent flow 1,930 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
104 ftCurrent flow 9 ft³/s -
05
Fultonville
30 ftCurrent flow 333 ft³/s -
06
Gloversville
77 ftCurrent flow 333 ft³/s -
07
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 14 ft³/s -
08
Hudson Falls
60 ft -
09
Keeseville
128 ft -
10
Linwood
70 ftCurrent flow 25 ft³/s -
11
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 3 ft³/s -
12
Speculator
25 ft -
13
Wampsville
30 ft
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