Is swimming allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Live Conditions · 14 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Buttermilk Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

New York • 549 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 22 other waterfalls also named Buttermilk Falls, see below

Kaaterskill Wild Forest SCA · SDC

Photo Credits (5)

seanaes CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Dougtone CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is a long chain of nine drops totaling about 549 feet as Buttermilk Creek plunges down Buttermilk Ravine into Kaaterskill Clove in Greene County's Kaaterskill Wild Forest. The Long Path crosses the brink of the upper drop 4.8 miles from either the Harding Road trailhead in Palenville or the Steenburg Road trailhead off Platte Clove Road; the ravine below is extremely steep and unsafe to descend without technical gear.

The Setting

Buttermilk Falls sits at 2,064 feet within Kaaterskill Wild Forest, fed by the Myrtle Brook, in the hills of New York. At 549 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.

Height: 549 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Kaaterskill Falls (260 ft) lies 1.3 miles to the northeast.

Kaaterskill Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

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

Trail Description

The primary access is an out-and-back trail about 1.5 miles round trip with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain; difficulty is rated moderate. The route follows the cascading creek and provides multiple viewpoints of the main 165-foot drop and smaller cascades. Trail surface is a mix of natural tread, exposed bedrock and stone steps; expect some steep sections and short flights of stairs that make the grade feel steeper in places. Overall the trail is moderately challenging but well-defined, suitable for hikers comfortable on uneven, rocky terrain.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 549 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 the best times to visit when the water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a great time to enjoy the colorful foliage.

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 when lifeguards are present.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

14 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 0 6 13

Based on 9 years of record

4.68 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.

MYRTLE BROOK AT STATE HWY 214 AT EDGEWOOD NY

USGS 01362322

8.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2 sq mi

Altitude: 1,519 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MYRTLE BROOK AT STATE HWY 214 AT EDGEWOOD NY (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

14 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

15 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Strong

13 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

12 cfs

10/10

Fri

Roaring

12 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

12 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

12 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

21 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March 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 Palenville 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 264 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The full 549 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 934 feet. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,154 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 104 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 207 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Buttermilk Falls near Palenville, New York, showing about 264 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,154 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 264 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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 a short walk from the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the entrance of Buttermilk Falls State Park. Parking is typically available, but it can fill up during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,064 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.175367° N, -74.071804° W

Land Management

Kaaterskill Wild Forest SCA

Managed by SDC

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be uneven and slippery. Bring water and a camera to capture the stunning views.

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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.