Located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, this state park has short easy hikes, beautiful swimming areas, and scenic views.
Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, New York has 5 trails to hike on, multiple waterfalls, deep water pools, a natural swimming pool, and picnic areas.
It is a great hike for families due to the short distance trails, but also offers some thrilling opportunities to adventurous hikers, like jumping into a deep water pool along the Gorge Trail (which is prohibited and dangerous but many visitors still take that risk).
Below are some tips to make the most out of your visit to Buttermilk Falls State Park including exact location, fees, where to park, the best trails, and about swimming in the natural pool.
Swimming is Prohibited (Along the Gorge Trail)
Swimming is only allowed in the supervised area located near the lower park entrance, but the Gorge trail contains various large and small deep pools where swimming is prohibited. Park visitors still access these areas despite the rules and the possible presence of park members issuing warnings or tickets.
During my visit the supervised pool area was closed and I decided to enter some of the pools along the Gorge Trail, aware of the precaution that must be taken due to the risk in physical injury. The water is very cold, but feels perfect on hot summer days.
Hiking Distance
During my visit I hiked the Bear Trail (3/4 miles), Lake Treman Trail (1 1/2 miles), Gorge Trail (3/4 miles), and Rim Trail (3/4 miles). All of these trail are part of Buttermilk Falls State Park, with the Gorge Trail having the best (maybe only) scenic views. The trail difficulty is low for all of these trails, with Lake Treman Trail having the most inclines, and also the Rim Trail when starting from the Lower Park Entrance.
Hikers looking for scenic views or challenging hikes should skip these trails and hike at another nearby park, making a stop at Buttermilk Falls for an after hike swim to cool down, it will feel amazing!
Park Entrance Location
If you would like to make a visit just to view the falls, enter Plus Code: CF5Q+P3 Ithaca, New York in Google maps to be given directions to the Upper Park Entrance. It will be a 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Gorge Trail entrance (NOTE: I don't recommend entering the Rim Trail from this entrance). When you enter the Gorge Trail you will be at the top of the falls and immediately start seeing some of the most beautiful parts of the gorge.
There is one other entrance to the park, the Lower Park Entrance, which is near the supervised natural pool area (which isn't always open to the public) and the picnic areas. This is a good place to park if you would like to hike up the Rim Trail first, which doesn't contain the beautiful scenery or waterfalls, and once you reach the top, you will make you way down the Gorge Trail, leading you back to the Lower Park Entrance.
Best Time to Visit
The trails can be busy during hot summer days, particularly on weekends, so if you would like to avoid crowds, visiting on a weekday, or late afternoon on a weekend. It is the best time to have more space on the trail.
Visiting the park website at https://parks.ny.gov/parks/151/details.aspx is highly recommended to make note of operating hours, trail closures, and current parking/entrance fees.
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