Buttermilk Falls
New York • 25 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a broad 25-foot staircase cascade on the Raquette River in the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest, reached by a short, nearly flat footpath from a signed pullout on North Point Road about three miles south of Long Lake village in Hamilton County. Long a carry point for canoeists on this rough stretch of river, it has picnic tables above the falls and rock ledges and swimming spots below, and it is one of the most visited roadside waterfalls in the Adirondacks.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 1,654 feet within Sargent Ponds Wild Forest, fed by the Indian River, in the hills of New York. The falls drop 25 feet.
Height: 25 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
Trail type: out-and-back; length: 1.5 miles; elevation gain: ~500 ft; difficulty: moderate. The Gorge Trail follows Buttermilk Creek and leads directly past the main 165-foot fall and several smaller cascades. Expect stone steps and some steep sections along the route—short, rocky pitches and stair-like stonework are the primary features of the tread. The Rim Trail can be used to form a loop for those wanting a longer hike. No USFS trail number is provided for this route.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 25 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 water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. 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
Based on a USGS gauge 15.4 miles away
175 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 113 years of record
1.85 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge INDIAN RIVER NEAR INDIAN LAKE NY (25 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
175 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
183 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
193 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
177 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
169 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
171 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
186 cfs
3/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late December to mid March, peaking in February.
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 Speculator 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 72 feet of drop through Buttermilk Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That is more than the listed 25 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,660 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 26 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 6 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,660 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 72 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
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 MapsParking
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
1,654 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.914784° N, -74.484052° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail can be slippery, especially near the falls. Bring water and be prepared for some steep sections on 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
Sandy Point Motel
The Alpine Lodge
The Long View Lodge
The Lazy Bear Cabin
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 wineries.
Wildlife
The area 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 ftCurrent flow 158 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
15 ftCurrent flow 2,240 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
104 ftCurrent flow 10 ft³/s -
05
Fultonville
30 ft -
06
Gloversville
77 ft -
07
Greenwood Lake
40 ftCurrent flow 51 ft³/s -
08
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 11 ft³/s -
09
Hudson Falls
60 ftCurrent flow 34 ft³/s -
10
Keeseville
128 ftCurrent flow 53 ft³/s -
11
Linwood
70 ft -
12
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 1 ft³/s -
13
Wampsville
30 ft
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