LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Button Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Button Falls
Button Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall on Button Creek located southwest of Leonardsville, New York. Tucked into a quiet stretch of stream, the falls offer a peaceful, lesser-known spot for photographers and hikers alike; flow can vary with recent rainfall, so visits after wet weather tend to be most dramatic (Wikipedia notes the falls’ location on Button Creek).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Specific USFS trail name/number, surface, grade and trail class are not documented in available federal sources, so visitors should be prepared for uneven footing and variable trail conditions near the creek—sturdy footwear, a map or GPS, and basic trail skills are recommended.
What to Expect
Expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The flow of the waterfall may vary depending on the season and recent weather conditions.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Button Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Button Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have a stronger flow due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, especially after rain. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Chenango River, 14.5 miles away, not on Button Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
231 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 79 years of record
2.31 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 CHENANGO RIVER AT SHERBURNE NY (23 km away).
Today
Strong
246 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
249 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
226 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
247 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
244 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
259 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
258 cfs
10/10Best window: Tue — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early 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 Unadilla Forks hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Button Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Button Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 33°F to 30°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 248 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in New York.
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 measures about 91 feet of descent through Button Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,254 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 51 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 52 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,254 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 91 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Button Falls is located in New York, but specific directions to the site are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for the most accurate route.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or in designated areas if available.
Elevation
1,253 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.791183° N, -75.269332° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the location may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
Hidden LakeFront Retreat
Allen Lake Resort Richfield Springs Cooperstown
Hotel One75
Whisperin' Pines Chalet
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 are not well-documented, but visitors may explore other natural areas in the region.
Wildlife
The area may host typical New York wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Button Falls
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