Buttermilk Falls Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Buttermilk Falls Park is a popular state park located in Ithaca, New York.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is known for its beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the main attractions at Buttermilk Falls Park is the waterfall. The park is named after the 165-foot Buttermilk Falls, which is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. There are also several other smaller waterfalls throughout the park, including Pinnacle Falls and Upper Buttermilk Falls.
In addition to the waterfalls, the park has over 7 miles of hiking trails. These trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate and offer stunning views of the surrounding area. The park also has several picnic areas, a playground, and a swimming area.
Buttermilk Falls Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds. The park is a great place for birdwatching, with over 100 species of birds recorded in the area.
The best time of year to visit Buttermilk Falls Park is in the spring or fall. During these seasons, the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. The park can get crowded during the summer months, so visitors may want to visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Overall, Buttermilk Falls Park is a must-visit destination for anyone in the Ithaca area. With its stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife, it is a great place to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Croton Point Park
|
||
Beaver Pond - Harriman State Park
|
||
Beaver Pond Campsite
|
Blauvelt State Park
Tackamack North and South Park
Rockland Lake State Park
Nyack Beach State Park
Germonds Park