Buttermilk Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls in Connecticut is a picturesque waterfall located in the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield. It is a small but charming cascade surrounded by lush forest, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 696 feet within Buttermilk Falls, fed by the Naugatuck River, in the foothills of Connecticut.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Buttermilk Falls is a short and easy walk through a wooded area. It is well-marked and suitable for most visitors, including families with children. The trail leads directly to the base of the falls, offering a close-up view of the cascading water.
What to Expect
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?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Buttermilk Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, so caution is advised. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
163 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 66 years of record
2.39 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NAUGATUCK RIVER AT THOMASTON, CT (6 km away).
Today
Strong
163 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
163 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
163 cfs
10/10Fri
Roaring
176 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
170 cfs
9/10Sun
Strong
163 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
163 cfs
10/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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 Terryville 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 92 feet of drop through Buttermilk Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 697 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 60 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 74 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, 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
- 697 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 92 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Buttermilk Falls is located in the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield, Connecticut. The falls can be accessed via a short trail starting from the designated parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak times.
Elevation
696 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.644152° N, -73.005517° W
Land Management
Managed by NGO
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
Where to Stay
Courtyard Waterbury Downtown
Holiday Inn Cheshire - Southington by IHG
The Kent Collection - The Firefly Inn
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford / Southington CT
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.
Nearby Campground
NORTHFIELD BROOK LAKE GROUP SHELTERS
5.4 miles away · 2 sites
Overview Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut. Naugatuck Valley boasts picturesque small towns, rolling hills and industry and where public recreation is valued. On warm summer evenings, people gather at the park to enjoy hiking, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Recreation The recreation area provides two picnic shelters that can be reserved for group events in spring, summer and early fall, though g
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The White Memorial Conservation Center offers additional hiking trails, a nature museum, and opportunities for birdwatching. The town of Litchfield also has charming shops and restaurants.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter frogs and other amphibians near the water.
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 101 ft³/s -
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 ftCurrent flow 81 ft³/s -
08
Highland Falls
100 ftCurrent flow 12 ft³/s -
09
Hudson Falls
60 ft -
10
Keeseville
128 ftCurrent flow 66 ft³/s -
11
Linwood
70 ftCurrent flow 25 ft³/s -
12
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 3 ft³/s -
13
Speculator
25 ftCurrent flow 178 ft³/s -
14
Wampsville
30 ftCurrent flow 13 ft³/s
Writing about Buttermilk Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.