Time for another Travel Tuesday! I’m taking you to Ithaca again this week to one of upstate New York’s gorgeous state parks–Buttermilk Falls State Park!
It’s hard to choose a favorite waterfall, especially in Ithaca, but if I absolutely had to choose, Buttermilk Falls State Park would be my favorite place to go. I’ve been there twice so far (aka both the times I went to Ithaca) and it never ceases to take my breath away.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
The upper park has a small lake and hiking trails along the gorge + rim as well as picnic areas, and the lower park has a campground and a natural pool. I hiked from upper to lower the first time I went and from lower to upper the second time.
The park is open all year round and camping season is usually from mid-May to mid-October. Swimming season is around the end of June to Labor Day (early September), but subject to closure depending on water quality and weather conditions.
Fee: $8 for 1 vehicle entry (this will let you into all the NY state parks for the day).
Address: 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Rd (Off Rt. 13 S), Ithaca, NY 14850
Distance: ~1.7 miles (Gorge Trail + Rim Trail loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 500 ft
The Gorge Trail follows Buttermilk Creek and you can take the Rim Trail back on the other side of the creek to make a loop! There’s also the Bear Trail that goes up Buttermilk Creek to Lake Treman and Lake Treman Falls (another ~1.5 miles).
This is the start or the end of the trail, depending on where you begin!
The Gorge Trail does have a lot of stairs involved and it can get pretty steep, but it’s not toooo strenuous. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes though, and if you get tired, you are surrounded by all the beauty in the world for photography breaks!
(Parts of the trail can get really slippery, so be careful!)
Check out my other hikes!
- Have you ever been to upstate New York?
- What’s one of the prettiest places you’ve ever visited?
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This looks absolutely beautiful!!
Thanks, Amber! It’s one of my favorite state parks! :]
I have never been to upstate NY, but this looks beautiful!
It was a gorgeous place to explore!
I’ve been to upstate NY except Syracuse. Looks so pretty and peaceful
I’ve never been to Syracuse but I definitely want to explore more of NY!
I went to upstate New York as a kid and I wish I could go again!
I love hikes that lead to waterfalls! They are my favorite type of hike.
I hope you get to go again sometime!
That’s my favorite type of hike too! :]
So beautiful. We don’t have much like that, here, and I would love to travel to an area with more waterfalls and pretty nature hikes.
I hope you get to find more places like that too! I’m hoping to find more around here too!
What a pretty state park!
I wanna go back in the fall sometime to check it out again! <3
I have been to upstate NY – some parts are really pretty!
Agreed! I’ve mainly only been to Ithaca (and Sacketts Harbor) but it’s gorgeous out there!
Oh, beautiful! I do love waterfalls, big or small. I’m not sure I’ve seen one in person though…?
-Lauren
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Ah, I hope you get to see one in person sometime!!
I love LOVE Ithaca – it’s GORGES there ;) it seems like you frequent the new york area often for hikes – you’re close to me ;)
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I’m in central NJ so I’m not tooooo too far away, and upstate NY has so many gorgeous places to explore! <3 (I especially adore Ithaca, haha.) I'll have to let you know the next time I make it up there–maybe we can grab lunch! :D! (Or come exploring with me if you're free! :O!!)
So beautiful! I continue to be amazed by our state parks! Thanks for sharing this gem :)
Me too! I’d love to check them out in every state! *-*
I’ve been to NY a few times but had no idea this place existed! Will definitely have to check it out the next time I’m there. I love hiking too so this sounds perfect!
Yay! I hope you love it there–it’s such a beautiful park! :]
NY has the best waterfalls! When I went, that’s just about all I did and I STILL didn’t get to see this one! Guess I need to go back and explore more.
Ah, that’s totally understandable–there are so, so many waterfalls there! I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface!
I like the gorge and the waterfalls. This does look like a great place for a picnic.
Waterfalls are one of my favorite things to visit! :] It was a super pretty place to hang out!
I’ve never been to New York, and while I don’t have a huge desire to visit NYC, I’ve heard it’s beautiful upstate! And this looks gorgeous. I’m always a sucker for waterfalls!
I am too! You’ll definitely love upstate New York if you like waterfalls! :] (Would highly recommend Ithaca! *-*)
Looks so beautiful! Do you know if you could take a stroller on any of the trails?