Buttermilk Falls State Park
Park State park featuring cascades, gorge trails, swimming
Gorge-and-waterfall state park near Ithaca with cascades, cliffside trails and a lake popular for swimming in summer. Hikers follow marked trails through shale gorges and seasonal waterfalls.
Buttermilk Falls State Park is a state park in Tompkins County, New York, centered on Buttermilk Creek and a series of waterfalls that descend into a steep wooded gorge. The park is known for its waterfall-strewn gorge, hiking trails and a swimming area at the upper pond.
Trails range from short gorge paths that pass multiple cascades to longer loop hikes through mixed hardwood forest, and there is a designated swimming area at the park’s upper lake. The waterfall sequence in the gorge drops roughly 165 feet in total and is the park’s principal attraction.
The park was established to preserve the creek gorge and provide public recreation, and it has long been used for day visits, picnicking and hiking. Facilities include parking, picnic areas and maintained trails.
Located near the city of Ithaca in central Tompkins County, the park sits within the Finger Lakes region and is accessed from local roads serving the Ithaca area.
- Main cascade: The main gorge trail follows cascades that drop approximately 165 feet, making it a popular short-hike destination close to Ithaca.
How to Get to Buttermilk Falls State Park #
Buttermilk Falls State Park is in central New York State. Access is by local and county roads; consult regional maps for the nearest town and parking areas. The park is commonly reached by car from Cortland and nearby communities.
Tips for Visiting Buttermilk Falls State Park #
- Hike early to avoid crowds at the main fall viewpoints-mornings are cooler and quieter.
- Bring a waterproof layer-the mist near the falls can make adjacent rocks slippery and damp.
- Combine a waterfall visit with nearby state forest trails for a longer day of hiking and varied terrain.
Best Time to Visit Buttermilk Falls State Park #
Best in spring for flow and in fall for foliage; summer can be warm and busier on weekends.
Weather & Climate near Buttermilk Falls State Park #
Buttermilk Falls State Park's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (919 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
