Buttermilk Falls
Pennsylvania • 45 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania is a charming 45-foot cascade that tumbles over a rocky ledge into a photogenic pool, making it a favorite stop for hikers and photographers seeking a peaceful woodland scene. The setting is intimate and accessible, with a short approach that rewards visitors with close-up views of the falls and the mossy, rock-lined streambed. Note that “Buttermilk Falls” is a common name for waterfalls in the U.S., and this site is one of several listed under that name on Wikipedia, so be sure you’ve selected the Pennsylvania location when planning your visit. The waterfall is approachable year-round for those prepared for a moderately paced hike. The route to the falls is easy to follow and well maintained, and the site’s compact scale makes it a pleasant half-day outing for families and casual hikers looking to combine a short trek with great photo opportunities.
The Setting
Buttermilk Falls sits at 643 feet along the Tunkhannock Creek, in the foothills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 45 feet.
Height: 45 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back; total length: 2.4 miles; elevation gain: 350 feet; difficulty: moderate. The trail is a well-maintained footpath that descends gently toward the base of the falls, with a handful of steps and a viewing platform for up-close views. Expect a moderate grade on the approach and a similar climb on the return; trail surface is mostly compacted dirt and natural tread. The route’s length and elevation make it a solid half-day hike for most visitors. (Trail classification/surface details from available data; no USFS trail number provided.)
What to Expect
The falls drop 45 feet. 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 can be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution near the edge of the falls and stay on designated paths.
Current Water Conditions
307 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
1.78 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 Tunkhannock Creek near Tunkhannock, PA (12 km away).
Today
Moderate
327 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
315 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
303 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
303 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
327 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
339 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
339 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 West Falls 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 shows the creek losing roughly 105 feet through Buttermilk Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 45 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 642 feet.
The ground changes about 52 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 33 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest 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
- 642 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 105 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- 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 northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Buttermilk Falls is located near New Florence, Pennsylvania, in Indiana County. It is accessible via Buttermilk Falls Road, and there are signs directing visitors to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A small parking lot is available near the trailhead, providing convenient access to the falls.
Elevation
643 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.460078° N, -75.847974° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the most impressive water flow. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Where to Stay
Lakeside, Dock, Hot Tub, Kayaks, Arcade, Playset
Quiet Getaway with Queen Bed & Wi-Fi
Lakefront Family Home, Kayaks, Hot Tub, Fireplace
Best Western Plus Clarks Summit Scranton Hotel
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
Nearby attractions include the Ghost Town Trail for hiking and biking, and the town of Indiana, Pennsylvania, which offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area around Buttermilk Falls is home to various bird species, small mammals, and native plants.
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 161 ft³/s -
03
Cohoes
15 ftCurrent flow 1,650 ft³/s -
04
East Worcester
104 ft -
05
Fultonville
30 ftCurrent flow 1,720 ft³/s -
06
Gloversville
77 ftCurrent flow 1,720 ft³/s -
07
Greenwood Lake
40 ft -
08
Highland Falls
100 ft -
09
Hudson Falls
60 ftCurrent flow 34 ft³/s -
10
Keeseville
128 ftCurrent flow 46 ft³/s -
11
Linwood
70 ftCurrent flow 21 ft³/s -
12
Palenville
549 ftCurrent flow 1 ft³/s -
13
Speculator
25 ftCurrent flow 175 ft³/s -
14
Wampsville
30 ftCurrent flow 15 ft³/s
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