Is swimming allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Live Conditions · 61 ft³/s · About average

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 20 other waterfalls also named Buttermilk Falls, see below

Oneida Indian Nation Reservation TRIBL · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

Dougtone CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Bill Badzo CC BY-NC-SA 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

Tucked into the Oneida Indian Nation Reservation in New York, this Buttermilk Falls is a striking cascade that drops roughly 165 feet over a series of rocky steps. The fall shares its name with several other New York waterfalls (as noted on Wikipedia), so be sure you’re headed to the Oneida reservation location. The site is on land owned by DESG and is managed by the Oneida Indian Nation (TRIB), which helps preserve access and the surrounding natural character. The setting is inviting for a moderate day hike: the route to the overlook and lower tiers provides rewarding close-up views of the tiers and exposed rock. Because “Buttermilk Falls” is a common place name, this entry focuses on the falls and trail on Oneida reservation lands, rather than any state park locations of the same name.

The Setting

Buttermilk Falls sits at 696 feet within Oneida Indian Nation Reservation, fed by the Cowaselon Creek, in the foothills of New York. At 165 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.

Height: 165 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Chittenango Falls (167 ft) lies 8.2 miles to the southwest.

Chittenango Falls

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

The hike to Buttermilk Falls here is an out-and-back of about 1.5 miles round trip with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain and is commonly rated moderate. The route includes stone steps and some steep sections that bring you near the cascading tiers for intimate views of the 165-foot drop. No U.S. Forest Service trail number, surface/grade, or technical class data are available for this route; the trail and falls are located on land owned by DESG and managed by the Oneida Indian Nation (TRIB).

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 waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides opportunities for swimming in designated areas.

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.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

61 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

34 46 70 163

Based on 11 years of record

2.79 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

COWASELON CREEK AT STATE ROUTE 13 AT CANASTOTA NY

USGS 04243783

3.8 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 41 sq mi

Altitude: 387 ft

Know when to go.

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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 lot near the base of the falls. Parking is typically available, but it can fill up during peak seasons.

Elevation

696 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.048679° N, -75.711295° W

Land Management

Oneida Indian Nation Reservation TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

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

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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.