Buttermilk Falls State Park
4.7(6.0K)google
4.5(130)yelp
Hiking TrailCampingSwimmingFamilyOutdoorPhoto SpotWaterfallForest
Overview
Thundering beautifully through a rugged stone canyon inside the south region of Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park is a spectacular cascading wonderland centered around an impressive foam-draped waterfall. The park closely follows the active course of Buttermilk Creek plunging dramatically down tiered rocky cliffs into a beautiful, historic public swimming hole at the base. With miles of shaded forest wilderness trails winding under mature trees, rustic picnic pavilions, and rich native flora, it delivers an action-packed outdoor experience tailored perfectly for active families.
Practical Info
Every day8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeJune through October is prime for experiencing this sprawling park. The optimal daily block is late afternoon from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM under bright sunshine; the late sun beautifully strikes the colossal cascading foam of Buttermilk Falls right at the lower park valley gate, making it look like churning milk splashing over giant rock steps. It is a premier slot for picnicking and relaxing by the stream pool edge.
Getting ThereExcellently connected directly along the main southern commercial strip at 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Road in Ithaca. Self-drivers simply follow highway NY-13 South; the giant foaming cascade is visible from the road lanes just 2 miles south of the core, yielding immediate left-turn access into a vast asphalt parking field. For transit, the local TCAT Bus Route 65 drops passengers right at the lower park lanes daily.
Travel Tips
- The upper Gorge Trail is hyper-vulnerable to flash flood erosions and shuts down frequently; check the real-time trail status toggle on the NY State Parks App before arriving.
- The main entrance cuts directly off Route 13; peak mid-day lines block highway lanes, incurring state police citations, so arrive before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to bypass the queue.
- The $10 vehicle use fee ticket is fully reciprocal on the same calendar day for nearby Treman and Taughannock state parks; retain your physical dashboard receipt to avoid double paying.
Reviews
Positive
- The visual impact of the main waterfall is unmatched! Water cascades down smooth, slanted historic shale layers like white buttermilk, sitting perfectly right at the main entrance.
- Its core value lies in the flawless nature experience. Hiking the Gorge Trail lets you view strange geological pot-holes sculpted over millennia, adding great educational fun.
- A properly managed natural stream swimming pool sits right below the falls, letting you splash in pure, chilly mountain water to beat summer heat under leafy shade; ultra-relaxing.
- Highly convenient facilities with a spacious free surface parking lot, plentiful restrooms, and neat picnic benches; signs are prominent and clear, offering flawless overall value.
Heads up
- The Gorge Trail immediately kicks off with a daunting, continuous flight of steep stone steps without any accessibility ramps. Highly unfriendly for wheelchairs, strollers, or elders.
- If visiting during the August dry spell without heavy rains, the iconic waterfall can shrink into a bone-dry rock face, feeling like a severe photo scam without its majesty.
- Weekend peak crowds are extremely dense, packed with families swimming and grilling; pristine tranquility is broken by noisy kids and loud music, giving it a heavy commercial resort air.
- Some deep sections of the upper trail stay heavily slick and muddy due to lack of sun and waterfall mist; indicators are a bit sparse, making slips easy in flat shoes.