In Buttermilk Falls State Park, like most of the Finger Lakes gorge parks, stairs are the primary walkway along Buttermilk Creek. It’s a challenging hike and worth it!
Swimming at Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls has one of the best swimming holes around!
Where to begin
Google Maps will direct you to the Lower park entrance where you begin at the bottom and climb your way up along the Gorge Trail.
Once you reach the bridge you can either keep going toward the upper park entrance, turn around and walk back along the Gorge Trail, or cross the bridge and take the Rim Trail down.
The Rim Trail is more of a sloped trail through woodlands; quite beautiful, but no view of the creek.
We met locals who said they started from the upper entrance to Buttermilk Falls and walked all the way to the bottom along the Gorge and up the Rim.
One woman said she walks the trails 3 times a week, up the Gorge and down the Rim. Really quite impressive as we were ready to call it after the first set of stairs!
Again, fellow hikers encouraged us to keep going, and that it was worth it for the view. They were right.
More information about Buttermilk Falls
Cost: $7 per vehicle, free off-season (roughly Oct-May)
Located in Ithaca, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes / 90 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: parks.ny.gov or take a virtual tour
49 New York State Parks Within a 2-hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, check these spectacular trails off your list.
On a hot day, you can sit under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or jump in a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming areas.
Have you hiked through Buttermilk Falls State Park?
Please share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments. Your insight and experience are invaluable!
