Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park is a nature reserve in Tompkins County, New York, covering more than 800 acres of forest trails and gorge landscapes near Cayuga Lake. The main waterfall descends in multiple steps over roughly 165 feet (50 meters) of rock face, ending in a shallow basin surrounded by walking paths and picnic tables.

The state of New York established the park in 1924 to preserve the waterfall and gorge for public recreation. Farmers owned the surrounding land before the government acquired it and opened the trails for visitors.

Families gather along the swimming area during warm months to cool off in the natural pool below the lower cascade. The name refers to the foam pattern the water creates as it rushes over rocks, which reminded early settlers of fresh dairy pouring from a jug.

Parking areas sit at both the lower entrance near the main cascade and at the upper access point for hikers heading to longer trails. Paths along the gorge can be slippery, so sturdy footwear helps, especially after rain or during spring runoff.

The upper section of the park offers a less crowded trail winding through thick forest to the top of the gorge, revealing quiet lookout spots away from the main visitor flow. Some visitors overlook the smaller side cascades that appear along the rock walls during spring snowmelt.

Location: Tompkins County

Operator: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Phone: +1(607)2735761

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/buttermilkfalls/details.aspx

GPS coordinates: 42.40000,-76.53000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:00