Buttermilk Falls State Park park
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Some of the top reasons to visit Buttermilk Falls State Park include the beautiful scenery, diverse hiking trails, and opportunities for swimming and relaxation. The park offers more than 10 miles of well-maintained trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also cool off in the park's natural swimming areas, which are fed by the falls and offer refreshing respite on hot summer days.
Other points of interest within the park include the Upper Buttermilk Falls, which are located upstream from the main falls and offer a quieter, more secluded setting for picnics and relaxation. Visitors can also explore the park's many gorges and waterfalls, which offer a unique look at the region's geological history and natural beauty.
Interesting facts about Buttermilk Falls State Park include the fact that the park was first established in 1924, and was one of the first state parks in the region. The park's falls were formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age, and have been a popular attraction for centuries.
The best time of year to visit Buttermilk Falls State Park depends on individual preferences, but many visitors choose to come during the summer months when the swimming areas are open and the weather is warm. Spring and fall can also be beautiful times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter visits are possible, but trails may be snow-covered and access to certain areas may be limited.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Buttermilk Falls State Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert H. Treman State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Buttermilk Falls State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Kimmie Bivouac | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Park Station Rec Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Carley Hill Tent Sites | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Taughannock Falls State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Buttermilk Falls State Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Buttermilk Falls State Park
What can I do at Buttermilk Falls State Park?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Buttermilk Falls State Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Buttermilk Falls State Park.