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.  Many people do not know about the "upper park" and thus it gets much less traffic.

The lower park has a campground, pool and playing fields, beyond which is Larch Meadows. Larch Meadows is a moist, shady glen and wetland area through which a nature trail winds. Park activities, including tours through Buttermilk gorge, are offered weekly from July 4th through Labor Day.  This state park is a must see if you are in the Ithaca, NY area or even in Central New York.

The hiking trails in the park include Gorge Trail, which follows the Buttermilk Creek as it cascades dropping about 500 feet along the trail. Gorge Trail is complimented by Rim Trail on the other side of the creek, which makes for a loop of about 1.7 miles.  NOTE: The Lake Treman Trail is CLSOED at the dam, making a loop impossible (November 2010).

Beyond these two trails is the Bear Trail which continues up Buttermilk Creek to Lake Treman Falls and Lake Treman. The trail to and around the lake is another 1.4 miles.   At the far end of the lake is a spur of the Finger Lakes Trail.   Another trail in the park is the Larch Trail, which circles a marsh near the main (lower) parking area and is about 1 mile in length. The best view of the falls are along the Gorge Trail, although the creek loses much of its flow whenever rain is scarce.

Directions
 NY 13 south of Ithaca.

Pictures from Buttermilk Falls State Park

Lake Treman Trail View from trail looking below at dam and stairway across dam on 7/15/07.	Lake Treman On the shore from the Lake Treman Trail on 7/15/07.	Stone Arch Bridge Along the Lake Treman Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07	Buttermilk Falls The main falls on 7/15/07.	Gorge Trail Looking up the stairs on the Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07	Buttermilk Falls From the Gorge Trail on 7/15/07.
The swimming area Looking down from top of the main falls at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	Waterfalls More waterfalls at Buttermilk Falls State Park, on the Gorge Trail on 7/15/07.	Waterfalls Waterfalls at Buttermilk Falls State Park along the Gorge Trail on 7/15/07.	Lean-To Side trail to Lean-to along Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State park on 7/15/07.	Waterfalls Along Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	Gorge Trail At Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.
Bridge Bridge over Buttermilk Creek on 7/15/07.	Gorge Trail Looking down Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	View from Gorge Trail At Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	Pinnacle Rock Along Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	Gorge Trail Near Pinnacle Rock at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	Waterfalls Along Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.
Gorge Trail Looking down the Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	Small Waterfall Along Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	Gorge Trail Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.	King Rd Bridge Along Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07, near the Upper Park Entrance.	Bear Trail At Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07, off King Rd.	Gorge Trail View from the Rim Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park on 7/15/07.

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