Buttermilk Falls State Park is named for the spectacular falls formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the east side of the Cayuga Valley. Buttermilk Creek drops more than 600 feet it its journey over 10 waterfalls and through two distinct glens. Located southwest of Ithaca, New York, Buttermilk Falls State Park consists of two parks – upper park and lower park. The upper park contains a small lake in addition to hiking trails that meander through woodlands and along the gorge and rim. Facilities at the upper park include picnic areas and playing fields. The lower park contains a campground, pool, and playing fields. Also located at lower park is Larch Meadows, a wetland that has existed since glaciers retreated from New York and now provides a home to many species of animals and plants. Larch Meadows is located behind the ball fields in the lower park and contains a nature trail. Information on the trail can be found at the park office and at the ball field rest area.
The park offers a beach, cabins, fishing, hiking, hunting (bow-hunting deer), a nature trail, pavilions, a playground, playing fields, recreation programs, and a campground with tent and trailer sites. Tours through Buttermilk gorge are offered weekly from July 4th through Labor Day. Be sure to visit Pinnacle Rock, a 40-foot pillar of shale caused by erosion along Buttermilk Creek. Nature Trails: Gorge Trail follows 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 1.5 miles. Gorge Trail offers the best view of the falls. Bear Trail also follows Buttermilk Creek to Lake Treman Falls and Lake Treman. The trail to and around the lake is another 1.5 miles. At the far end of the lake is a spur of the Finger Lakes Trail. Larch Trail circles a marsh near the main (lower) parking area and is about 1 mile in length.
Like nearby Treman State Park, the initial grant of land for the park came from Robert and Laura Treman. Since 1924, the original 154 acres have grown to the present size of 751 acres. Location Route 13 south of Ithaca.
