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Another gem from New York’s Finger Lakes Region is Buttermilk Falls State Park. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Ithaca, the park is perfect to pair with Robert H Treman to create your day’s perfect hiking itinerary. This park may be small, but it is no less impressive. Besides the park’s showstopper- the 165 ft Buttermilk Falls- it also has countless waterfalls flowing into a vibrant blue- green pools, an incredible narrow gorge with intricate stone walls and rock formations, a lovely lake, and a beautiful woodland area to explore. Check out the best of Buttermilk Falls State Park with the itinerary below!
Entrance Fee:
$10 / vehicle. Fees are collected April 1st through November 30th, 6 am through 6:30 pm.
Lodging:
There is a campground with 25 campsites. Additionally, 18 rustic cabins are available for seasonal rental. For the 2026 season, both camping and cabin accommodations will be available from May 15th to October 11th. Advanced reservations are required for the cabins and are strongly encouraged for the campsites. Make reservations here- Camping at Buttermilk Falls State Park.
For those seeking hotel options, the park is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown Ithaca, where a variety of hotels are available.
Dining:
There are no dining options available within the park. There are large picnic areas near both the Upper and Lower Entrances if you bring in your own food.
Again, downtown Ithaca is just 10 minutes away and has a wide variety of food options.
Personal Recommendations: Thompson and Bleecker, Ithaca Bakery, and Ithaca Ale House.
Know Before You Go:
- The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
- Most of the trail is wet, rocky, and slick. Shoes with decent traction are recommended.
- Swimming is allowed at the base of Buttermilk Falls Friday through Monday from 11 am to 7 pm during July and August, subject to lifeguard availability.
- Dogs, on leash, are allowed on hiking trails.
- I recommend downloading an AllTrails map for trails on this itinerary. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
- Please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles.
1 Day Itinerary
Gorge/Rim Loop
Distance: 1.6 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Loop
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: +400 ft
Trail Access: Park in the Lower Park Entrance Lot, near the Park Office.
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash
Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes
This park has two entrances, but for this loop, I recommend parking at the Lower Entrance Lot. Just steps away from the parking lot is Buttermilk Falls, the park’s tallest waterfall at 165 feet, cascading down a rocky slide into a large pool below. If swimming is allowed on the day of your visit, the pool at the base of the main falls is where you can swim.
On the south side of the pool, there is a bridge that leads to the other side of the falls, where the Gorge Trail begins. Once you cross the bridge, take an immediate left onto the gravel path. Here, you’ll begin a steep ascent to the top of the falls. Although you might be tempted to turn around after reaching the Falls Overlook platform, I assure you that the best part of the hike is still ahead.
After taking in the views from the overlook platform, continue climbing the stone stairs. Once you pass the fenced area, my favorite part of the trail begins, featuring waterfall after waterfall cascading into deep turquoise pools as you wind your way through the narrow gorge.
As you make your way through the gorge, you will come to a trail junction at a wooden footbridge. Do not cross the bridge. There’s still so much to see! Instead, continue straight towards Pinnacle Rock. Once you reach West King Road, cross over the water to access the Rim Trail. Although the Rim Trail is less dramatic as you make your way back down to the parking lot, there are several overlooks. However, depending on the season, views of the gorge may be obstructed. The Rim Trail also runs parallel to the service road at two points, so continue to bear left to stay on the right track.
There will be one final staircase before you reach the bottom of the main falls, and the parking area should be on your right.
*If you are looking for a longer hike, consider taking the Bear Trail at West King Road. Hike to Lake Treman, complete the Lake Treman Loop, and then return to the Rim Trail via the Bear Trail. This additional route will add 3 miles but only 200 feet more of elevation gain.
Have an incredible adventure!
Looking for another New York itinerary? Check out our Robert H. Treman State Park Itinerary! It’s just a few minutes away from Buttermilk Falls State Park!
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