Buttermilk Falls (Ithaca, New York, USA)

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Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is a series of cascades totally around 180ft in height. The last 80ft is what we think the majority of visitors see as it shows itself to people entering the state park bearing the falls' name. During our visit, there was lots of activity at the base of the falls as an established recreation area has been built up to facilitate a cool swim complete with lifeguard.

But we climbed higher on the trail to see additional cascades, which we were able to do along a steep but well-developed trail alongside the creek. As we got higher up along the trail, we then entered a tight gorge area where we saw evidence of the power of the water that has created such a chasm.

It was a pretty hot and humid day when we visited so we probably only walked about 1/2- to 2/3rds of the 1.6-mile loop taking in sights such as Pinnacle Rock as well as Pulpit Rock and many members of the Buttermilk Falls.

Even though we took the Gorge Trail, there's certainly the option of returning on the other side of the stream via the Rim Trail.

Directions: From Ithaca, you head south on Hwy 13 (Elmira Rd) for a couple of miles to the well-signed turnoff on your left for Buttermilk Falls. There's a toll and large (but busy) car park for the falls and recreation area.

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