Is swimming allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Live Conditions · 38 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Buttermilk Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

New York • 60 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

Bill Badzo CC BY-NC-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 roughly 60-foot cascade on the outlet of Sly Pond in the Town of Fort Ann, Washington County, one of only three USGS-named waterfalls in the county. The falls sit on private property on the west side of Buttermilk Falls Road north of Twiss Road and can be viewed from the roadside; park on Twiss Road rather than the shoulder of the busier road.

The Setting

Buttermilk Falls sits at 623 feet in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 60 feet.

Height: 60 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 loop: approximately 1.5 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. Expect a mix of carved stone steps, built stairways and natural dirt tread through the gorge; several sections are steep and involve short flights of stone steps, so take care on wet rock. The loop route follows the main cascades, passes multiple smaller falls and pools, and connects with the Rim Trail for higher-elevation views. The trail is well-established and popular, with frequent viewpoints and short, steeper pitches rather than long, gradual grades.

What to Expect

The falls drop 60 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 falls are most impressive with higher water flow. Fall offers stunning 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

Trails 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 with lifeguards present.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

38 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

34 53 134 160

Based on 30 years of record

2.95 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

GLENS FALLS FEEDER AT DUNHAM BASIN NY

USGS 01327500

8.5 miles from waterfall

Altitude: 139 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge GLENS FALLS FEEDER AT DUNHAM BASIN NY (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

38 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

38 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

37 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

38 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

41 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

36 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

40 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

39 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late September to late October, peaking in September.

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 Hudson Falls 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 99 feet of descent through Buttermilk Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 60 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 650 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 32 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 70 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Buttermilk Falls near Hudson Falls, New York, showing about 99 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 650 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 99 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).

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 Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the base of the falls within the state park. Parking may require a fee during peak seasons.

Elevation

623 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.422570° N, -73.587615° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear, as the trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities along the trails.

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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.