The Finger Lakes region in New York is known for its beautiful waterfall hikes and gorges. And Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca is one that can’t be missed!
The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is a stunning hike featuring several waterfalls and cascades, and it’s short enough to do in the morning or even as a late-afternoon hike.
This guide below shares everything you need to know before you visit Buttermilk Falls State Park. So, let’s plan your next adventure!
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Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail: A Popular Trail in the Finger Lakes
There are several beautiful waterfall trails in the Finger Lakes region. Even though Buttermilk Falls isn’t as popular as Watkins Glen, it’s still worth doing. We loved how close the trail gets you to the water compared to the trail at Watkins Glen.
Prepare For Your Hike at Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls State Park Entrance Fee
There is a vehicle entrance fee for Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Don’t lose your receipt! If you want to do one of the other waterfall trails near Ithaca on the same day, you don’t have to pay the park entrance fee again if you present your receipt.
Parking at Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca
There are two entrances to Buttermilk Falls State Park.
The Upper Entrance to Buttermilk Falls State Park is off W. King Road. This is also the entrance you would use if you’d like to start at the top of the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail or access the Bear and Lake Treman Trails.
The main entrance to Buttermilk Falls State Park is the Lower Entrance, off Elmira Road (New York State Routes 13, 34, & 96). This is the entrance you’ll want to use to access the bottom of the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail and the natural pool at the bottom of the falls.
Good to know: Weekends and holidays during the summer can get very busy! Plan to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Amenities
There are running-water restrooms near each parking lot in Buttermilk Falls State Park. The Lower Entrance restroom includes a bathhouse with showers for those who need to change for the natural swimming pool (open seasonally).
Picnic tables and grills are available near each parking lot at Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca. Keep in mind there are no trash cans at this park. Please carry in/carry out.
Bring the Necessities
Although the hike at Buttermilk Falls isn’t too long, it’s still a good idea to bring the day-hike essentials, including a few snacks and water (especially after climbing all of those steps!).
Buttermilk Falls Trail Map
Paper maps are available at both entrances of Buttermilk Falls State Park. Visitors can also download the Parks Explorer App, which has park information like fees, hours, and trail maps. You can also download a PDF from the New York State Park website.
Seasonal Trail Closures
The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is typically closed from November through April due to unsafe conditions. The NY State Park site will have the most up-to-date information.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Places like Buttermilk Falls are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues. We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all.
Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels), and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
Hiking the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail
| Trail Location: | You can access the Buttermilk Falls Gorge trail at either the Lower or Upper Entrances of Buttermilk Falls State Park |
| Trail Length: | .75 miles, one way (1.5 miles out-and-back) |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate with several stairs |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 460 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Should You Start at the Top or the Bottom?
The first thing to note about the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is that it is very steep at the bottom of the trail. The bottom third of the trail is nothing but stairs, and there are a lot of them.
We didn’t count how many there were, but there were enough to make us wonder what we got ourselves into!
However, once you get past those initial stairs, the trail is mainly flat, with occasional small sets of stairs along your route.
If the stairs are intimidating, you can start at the Upper Entrance and walk down the gorge trail until you reach the top of the giant staircase. At that point, you can turn around and backtrack to the top.
If you choose to avoid the stairs at the bottom, you’ll miss seeing the namesake waterfall, a 165-foot-tall cascade at the start of the trail. However, you can always drive your car to the Lower Entrance to see the cascade and natural swimming pool once you’ve finished your hike.
What To Expect Along the Trail
The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail has several waterfalls and cascades along the 3/4 mile trail. Hikers will encounter several staircases and flat stone paths.
The trail allows hikers to get close to the water. Although there are no huge waterfalls over the trail, it is a beautiful and peaceful walk.
Other Hiking Trails in Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls Rim Trail
The Buttermilk Falls Rim Trail is an excellent option for making a loop with the Gorge Trail (if you don’t want to backtrack). At the top of the Gorge Trail, you’ll make a left onto W. King Road to cross over the creek and immediately turn left onto the Rim Trail.
At 3/4 mile long, the rim trail is about the same length as the gorge trail. The trail is mainly packed earth and rocks. However, parts of the rim trail were paved at one point.
About 2/10- mile from the Upper Entrance of the rim trail, hikers can take a side trail that leads to the creek. There is a bridge that crosses the creek to the gorge trail.
If you combine the gorge and rim trails, the hike will be about 1.5 miles long.
Bear Trail
The Bear Trail continues the gorge trail across W. King Road. This 3/4-mile trail is primarily flat, with some occasional inclines. It’s a wooded trail with packed dirt and stones and is relatively easy to moderate, depending on what kind of hikes you are used to.
This trail leads to the Lake Treman Trail, a 1.5-mile loop. You can take both routes, giving you an additional 3 miles of hiking after completing the gorge trail. Or you can treat the Bear Trail as an out-and-back trail. It’s up to you!
Lake Treman Trail
As mentioned above, the Lake Treman Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that connects to the Bear Trail. Hikers can also access the trail via the second parking lot in the Upper Entrance of Buttermilk Falls State Park. The loop is a relatively flat, wooded trail that encircles Lake Treman.
Other Things To Do Near Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca
There are many amazing hikes in the Finger Lakes region near Buttermilk Falls. We recommend trying some of the other beautiful waterfall hiking trails nearby, like Robert H. Treman and Taughannock Falls. Watkins Glen is also just a short drive away!
You can also enjoy exploring downtown Ithaca, with the many restaurants and shops, or the trails at Cayuga Nature Center, with its famous 6-story treehouse! There are so many things to do in the Finger Lakes region.
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