Buttermilk Falls State Park wilderness guide
State Park · NY

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park is a scenic park located in New York, famed for its cascading waterfalls and lush trails, making it a popular destination for hiking and nature lovers.

State Park8114+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

811

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park is a scenic park located in New York, famed for its cascading waterfalls and lush trails, making it a popular destination for hiking and nature lovers.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Buttermilk Falls State Park spans across approximately 811 acres in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The park is renowned for its namesake waterfall, where Buttermilk Creek descends in a foamy cascade, creating a beautiful and dramatic scene. This area features a blend of natural landscapes including woodlands, a small lake, and meandering streams that offer scenic beauty year-round. Visitors can explore a network of trails that lead through these diverse habitats, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and diverse plant life. The park's history is rooted in conservation efforts that have preserved its natural charm for public enjoyment. Popular recreational activities at the park include hiking, swimming, and picnicking. The main attraction, Buttermilk Falls, is complemented by smaller falls and pools that entice visitors with their tranquil appeal.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Buttermilk Falls State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Buttermilk Falls viewing area, offering stunning views of the cascading waterfall.✦ Enfield Falls, a unique ecosystem that supports diverse flora and fauna.✦ Lower Park swimming area, popular for its serene and scenic atmosphere.✦ Upper Park, with secret spots for those seeking quieter, hidden areas.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Buttermilk Falls State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

A small vehicle use fee is required during peak season.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Buttermilk Falls State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Buttermilk Falls Campground

Located in the Upper Park area, it offers tent and RV sites with basic amenities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Buttermilk Falls State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ithaca, New York
⌖ 2.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca offers an outdoor paradise with spectacular waterfalls, serene lakes, and lush trails. Ideal for hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying nature's finest, it's a prime Finger Lakes attraction.

Spring and Summer
Explore Town
Newfield, New York
⌖ 4.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newfield, New York

Newfield, NY offers peaceful outdoor adventures with hiking, fishing, and paddling amid lush forests and creeks. Its proximity to Robert H. Treman State Park makes it a great spot for nature lovers seeking quiet escapes year-round.

Spring through Fall for most activities; Winter for snowshoeing
Explore Town
Lansing, New York
⌖ 8.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lansing, New York

Lansing, New York, borders the northern shore of Cayuga Lake, offering visitors diverse outdoor adventures from lakeside paddling and hiking to quiet snowshoeing trails. This lakeside town is a serene base for discovery throughout the seasons.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Trumansburg, New York
⌖ 11.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Trumansburg, New York

Trumansburg is a serene destination in the Finger Lakes that offers adventurers scenic trails, majestic waterfalls, and vibrant nature viewing opportunities, perfect for exploring the outdoors.

Dryden, New York
⌖ 12.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dryden, New York

Dryden, NY is a peaceful Finger Lakes town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing amid quiet forests and lakes. It’s a great base for exploring natural preserves and enjoying seasonal outdoor adventures.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Burdett, New York
⌖ 16.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Burdett, New York

Burdett, New York, is a Finger Lakes gateway where hiking gorge trails, paddling serene waters, and touring renowned vineyards blend into one unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Buttermilk Falls State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

One Hour on Cayuga: A brisk, family-friendly paddle from Myers Park
ADVEXPEDITION
Lansing, New York
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

One Hour on Cayuga: A brisk, family-friendly paddle from Myers Park

A focused, self-guided one-hour rental from Paddle-N-More that equips beginners and families with life jackets, a safety briefing, and route suggestions so you can get on the water quickly and confidently.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Taughannock — Eight Hours on the Water with Paddle‑N‑More
ADVEXPEDITION
Ulysses, New York
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Taughannock — Eight Hours on the Water with Paddle‑N‑More

An eight-hour rental of single and tandem kayaks or paddleboards in Ulysses; this guide outlines booking, onsite logistics and the operator’s policies so you can focus on the water.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Nightfall on Cayuga: Myers Park Stargazing by Kayak
ADVEXPEDITION
Lansing, New York
Guided TourADV Bookable

Nightfall on Cayuga: Myers Park Stargazing by Kayak

A two-hour guided paddling tour on Cayuga Lake led by American Canoe Association–trained guides; this guide explains logistics, meeting points, and what to bring so you arrive ready.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Stewart — Two Hours of Ready-to-Go Kayaks and SUPs
ADVEXPEDITION
Ithaca, New York
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Stewart — Two Hours of Ready-to-Go Kayaks and SUPs

Two-hour rentals of single and tandem kayaks and paddleboards from Paddle-N-More, launching from 71 Stewart Park; this guide explains reservations, operator policies, and what to expect on the water.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Ithaca at Golden Hour: A Cayuga Lake Sunset by Discover Cayuga Lake
ADVEXPEDITION
Ithaca, New York
Boat TourADV Bookable

Ithaca at Golden Hour: A Cayuga Lake Sunset by Discover Cayuga Lake

A 1.5-hour evening cruise with light narration and informal crew commentary that follows a course designed to showcase Cayuga Lake's sunset while passing historic cottage communities and unique natural areas.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip