Things to Do at Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park cascades 165 feet down a series of natural stone ledges 15 minutes south of Ithaca, with parking fees at 8 USD per vehicle May through October and free admission during winter months. The main waterfall drops in 10 distinct tiers through Devonian shale and limestone carved over 400 million years, creating natural swimming holes with water temperatures reaching 18-22°C during summer months perfect for cooling off after hiking. You can hear the thunderous roar of rushing water from the parking area 200 meters away, while the mist creates tiny rainbows in afternoon sunlight and carries the clean scent of mountain laurel and hemlock growing on the steep gorge walls. The Gorge Trail climbs 1.5 kilometers alongside the falls through wooden bridges and stone steps that become slippery with spray, offering close-up views of water churning through carved limestone channels just 2 meters from the walkway. Natural rock pools formed by centuries of erosion create perfect spots for wading, with depths ranging from ankle-deep to 3 meters in the largest basin at the base of the main falls. Pro tip: Visit on weekday mornings between 9-11 AM when parking is available and morning light illuminates the mist perfectly, but bring grip-soled shoes as wet shale becomes treacherous and several people slip into the pools each season.

Buttermilk Falls State Park cascades 165 feet down a series of natural stone ledges 15 minutes south of Ithaca, with parking fees at 8 USD per vehicle May through October and free admission during winter months. The main waterfall drops in 10 distinct tiers through Devonian shale and limestone carved over 400 million years, creating natural swimming holes with water temperatures reaching 18-22°C during summer months perfect for cooling off after hiking. You can hear the thunderous roar of rushing water from the parking area 200 meters away, while the mist creates tiny rainbows in afternoon sunlight and carries the clean scent of mountain laurel and hemlock growing on the steep gorge walls. The Gorge Trail climbs 1.5 kilometers alongside the falls through wooden bridges and stone steps that become slippery with spray, offering close-up views of water churning through carved limestone channels just 2 meters from the walkway. Natural rock pools formed by centuries of erosion create perfect spots for wading, with depths ranging from ankle-deep to 3 meters in the largest basin at the base of the main falls. Pro tip: Visit on weekday mornings between 9-11 AM when parking is available and morning light illuminates the mist perfectly, but bring grip-soled shoes as wet shale becomes treacherous and several people slip into the pools each season.