Is swimming allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Live Conditions · 34 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Buttermilk Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

New York • 165 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

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 tumbles roughly 165 feet through a steep, rocky gorge in Buttermilk Falls State Park, just outside Ithaca, New York. Nestled within the state park managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the falls descend in a series of picturesque steps and cascades that are especially dramatic after heavy rain or spring snowmelt. The park’s compact gorge setting makes the falls easy to experience on a short outing while still feeling wild and photogenic. A network of viewpoints along the Gorge and Rim trails lets you follow the water from close-in vantage points or take in sweeping views from above. The park’s well-known loop gives hikers a variety of perspectives on the cascades and downstream pools, making it a favorite for photographers, families, and day hikers seeking a moderately challenging, rewarding walk near Ithaca.

The Setting

Buttermilk Falls sits at 623 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 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 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 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 36 minutes ago Barely Flowing

34 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

38 65 135 176

Based on 31 years of record

2.94 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

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

Barely Flowing right now

34 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

38 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

40 cfs

5/10

Fri

Low

42 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

45 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

44 cfs

3/10

Mon

Low

41 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

41 cfs

3/10

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

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

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.