Are there fees or permits required for Butternut Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Butternut Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Butternut Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Butternut Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Butternut Falls near Watertown, New York, showing about 80 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 1,040 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Butternut Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Butternut Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Butternut Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Butternut Falls

Butternut Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in New York, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers, especially during the spring and fall seasons when water flow is typically at its peak.

The Setting

Butternut Falls sits at 584 feet along the Black River, in the foothills of New York.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Great Falls (77 ft) lies 2.4 miles to the west.

Great Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Butternut Falls may vary in difficulty and accessibility depending on the specific route taken. Information about the trail is limited, so visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and potential elevation changes.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in New York.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Butternut Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Butternut Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Butternut Falls, as water flow is typically higher during these seasons. Summer offers lush greenery, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall view.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Trails may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during severe weather. Cell service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

1,040 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.1k 1.4k 2.7k 6.1k

Based on 106 years of record

2.57 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

BLACK RIVER AT WATERTOWN NY

USGS 04260500

3.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,864 sq mi

Altitude: 374 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER AT WATERTOWN NY (6 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

1040 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

1040 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

1007 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

1035 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

1141 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

1162 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

1261 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

1357 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Watertown 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 80 feet through Butternut Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 591 feet.

The ground changes about 72 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 591 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 80 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Butternut Falls is located in New York, but specific directions to the trailhead or parking area are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or trail resources for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should expect limited parking near the trailhead or along nearby roads.

Elevation

584 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.963380° N, -75.863217° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring a map or GPS device, as trail markings may be unclear. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails could become slippery after rain.