Buttermilk Falls State Park

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Camping season runs May 15 through October 11. Reservations open via ReserveAmerica for the upcoming season.

About

Buttermilk Falls State Park is located on the southern edge of Ithaca in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes region. The park's name comes from the distinctive foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it tumbles down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. The park is divided into upper and lower sections, each offering distinct experiences. The lower park contains the campground with 46 campsites and 7 rental cabins, along with the park's most popular feature: a natural swimming pool at the base of the main waterfall, staffed with lifeguards during summer months. Beyond the camping area lies Larch Meadows, a scenic wetland area traversed by a nature trail. The upper park features Lake Treman, a small lake surrounded by hiking trails that wind through woodlands and along the gorge and rim. Picnic areas and playing fields are scattered throughout both sections. The park's trail system provides access to dramatic gorge scenery, with the Gorge Trail ascending approximately 600 feet past deep pools, sculpted rocks, and multiple waterfalls, including the 42-foot Pinnacle Rock. Stone steps throughout make this a moderately challenging hike. The landscape was carved over thousands of years by glaciers and streams, with the most recent glacier leaving steep-sided troughs that filled with water to create the Finger Lakes when it receded 10,000 years ago.

Directions

From Ithaca, take Route 13 south for 2.2 miles to the park entrance at 106 E. Buttermilk Falls Road.

Nearby Campgrounds