Buttermilk Falls
New York • 70 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a roughly 70-foot U-shaped cascade where Oatka Creek pours over the porous Onondaga limestone escarpment north of Le Roy in Genesee County, with water seeping out of the rock face beside the main drop in low flow. The falls are on private, posted, patrolled land and the owners ask that people not visit; there is no legal public access.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 722 feet along the Black Creek, in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Length: 0.5 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~100 feet. Difficulty: Easy. Trail type: Out-and-back. The trail is short and well-maintained, descending to the base of the multi-tiered 165-foot waterfall along Buttermilk Creek. Hikers can continue upstream on the Gorge Trail to see more cascades and overlook points along the carved gorge.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
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 the best times to visit, as the water flow is strongest after snowmelt or rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer is ideal for picnicking and hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on the falls. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make trails hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
22 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 81 years of record
1.57 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
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 BLACK CREEK AT CHURCHVILLE NY (13 km away).
Today
Low
25 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
33 cfs
4/10Thu
Barely Flowing
27 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
35 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
38 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
39 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
38 cfs
5/10Best window: Thu — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid 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 Linwood 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 90 feet of descent through Buttermilk Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 70 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 732 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 42 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 84 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 732 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 90 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
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 MapsParking
There is a designated parking lot near the base of the falls. Parking is typically available, but it can fill up during peak seasons. A small fee may be required for parking.
Elevation
722 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.005339° N, -77.973067° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the Gorge Trail, as it can be slippery near the water. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
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For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
The Modern Forge NY, Honeoye Lake
Baymont by Wyndham Batavia - Darien Lake
La Quinta by Wyndham Batavia
Best Western Brockport Inn & Suites
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 waterfalls in the Ithaca area, such as Taughannock Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park, are worth visiting. The city of Ithaca also offers restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Wildlife
The park is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in the creek.
Cities near Buttermilk Falls
Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls
22 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Apalachin
50 ft -
02
Claverack-Red Mills
45 ft -
03
Cohoes
15 ft -
04
East Worcester
104 ftCurrent flow 8 ft³/s -
05
Fultonville
30 ftCurrent flow 1,310 ft³/s -
06
Gloversville
77 ftCurrent flow 1,310 ft³/s -
07
Greenwood Lake
40 ft -
08
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 12 ft³/s -
09
Hudson Falls
60 ft -
10
Keeseville
128 ftCurrent flow 66 ft³/s -
11
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 3 ft³/s -
12
Speculator
25 ftCurrent flow 178 ft³/s -
13
Wampsville
30 ftCurrent flow 13 ft³/s
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