Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park Gorge Trail
The Gorge Trail will be closed for construction from the Lower Park to the Crossover Bridge on November 18, 2024. To access the Crossover Bridge from the Lower Park, use Rim Trail.
112 E. Buttermilk Falls Rd.
(Off Rt. 13 S)
Ithaca, NY 14850
- General Information: (607) 273-5761
- Secondary Phone: (607) 273-3440
Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. The upper park has a small lake, hiking trails through woodlands and along the gorge and rim, picnic areas and playing fields. The lower park has a campground, natural pool and playing fields, beyond which is Larch Meadows. Larch Meadows is a wetland area through which a nature trail winds.
Pavilion Information
Buttermilk Falls has
one pavilion which accommodates 73 people. The pavilion has a 2-day
minimum rental and is $100 per day. Patrons should reserve shelters directly through the Reserve America website. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com
Call Robert H. Treman Office at 607-273-3440 or visit ReserveAmerica.com check availability before submitting application.
Current Water Quality - Beach Results
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
c/o Robert H. Treman State Park
105 Enfield Falls Rd.Ithaca, NY 14850
Hours of Operation
- Park is open year round, dawn to dusk
Vehicle entry fee collected from April through November. 2024 Camping Season:
Camping will be open May 17th through October 13th.
Advanced Reservations Recommended
For reservation info visit http://www.newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.comTrails Update:
All trails are currently open.
Before your visit, please contact the park office for an updated status.2024 Swimming Season: Swimming will be open 11am -7pm, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and select other weekdays when Lifeguard Staffing Permits. Swimming at Buttermilk will likely be closed by August 21st.
*Swimming at Buttermilk Falls is always dependent on the weather conditions, and the schedule is subject to change. Before traveling, we strongly recommend contacting the park office to confirm swimming is open.- Shelters Reservations: May 24 - October 31, 10am - 9pm
- Deer hunting, bow only, is permitted in season.
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
- Vehicle Entry Fee Collection
Cars: $9
Bus Fee: $35
Seasonal Bus Permits: $75
Collected:
4/1 - 11/30 from 6am to 6:30pm daily- Camping
- Campsites:
$15-$19/night*Additional $5/night for out-of-state patrons
Cabins:
Daily rate is 1/4 the weekly charge (two night minimum)
Per week: $210-$238 (one week minimum Fri.-Fri. or Sun.-Sun.)
$2.75 Walk-in fee
$9 Reservation fee
$7 Non-NYS Resident fee per night or $28/week - Peddling Fee
- $400
Maps
Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.
The Finger Lakes Environmental Education Department offers scheduled gorge tours and educational programs at Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman, Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen State Parks. All park programs are free and open to the public, no registration required, although a parking fee may be charged.
The Finger Lakes Story Sparkling lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and rolling pastoral land dominate the landscape of the Finger Lakes Region. Over thousands of years, gigantic glaciers and coursing streams have carved this landscape. The most recent glacier moved through shallow river valleys leaving in its place deep, steep-sided troughs. When the glaciers receded north 10,000 years ago, water filled these new troughs, creating the 11 Finger Lakes. Since that time water has flowed down glacially steepened hillsides carrying debris that cut away at soft sedimentary rock to form our beautiful and unique gorges.
Gorge Tours provide information and insights about individual park history, ecology, gorge formation and geology. Tours last approximately one and one half hours.
The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Tour - You'll ascend approximately 600 feet on the gorge trail from its beginning at Buttermilk Falls by the time it ends just past the 42ft "Pinnacle Rock". The gorge trail follows Buttermilk Creek through its cool, moist, gorge past deep pools, sculpted rocks and several waterfalls. There are many beautiful stone steps on this trail making it a difficult hike for some visitors.
Educational Programs are offered about a variety of topics.
Birds ● Fossils ● Reptiles and Amphibians ● Insects ● Invasive Species ● Mammals ● Trees● Park Histories ● Animal Tracks ● Wilderness Survival
If don't see a specific topic please call or email us with your questions.
Deer hunting (bow only) is permitted in season in DESIGNATED SECTIONS OF THE PARK ONLY. Please reference the NYS DEC Hunting & Trapping Guide for current dates and rules. Refer to the park hunting maps below to see hunting and non-hunting areas.
- Self Issued Hunting Permit for Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park
- How to legally hunt select areas in Robert Treman & Buttermilk Falls
- Hunting Map
- Additional Info for January DMFA Season
A valid New York State hunting license with the proper hunting stamps will serve as the regional hunting permit. The Self Issued Hunting Permit can be printed out and completed from above link, and is also available posted outside each of the park offices during the season.
Hunters at Buttermilk Falls must sign in each day at park office and upper contact station. If a deer is taken, hunters must call the Robert H. Treman park office to report sex of deer and approximate age of deer.
Safety zones and restricted areas are marked on map to ensure the safety of other park patrons and regional personnel. Signs will be posted at all parks during hunting season to notify patrons of this activity. Handguns will not be permitted in any of the parks. No trapping is allowed.
For additional information, please contact Robert H. Treman State Park at: (607) 273-3440.
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Campsites, Cabins & Lodging (Accessible)
- Fishing (Accessible)
- Grills
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
- Playgrounds
- Playing Fields
- Showers (Accessible)
- Swimming Beach (Accessible)
- Waterfalls (Accessible)