Buttermilk Falls State Park

c/o Robert H. Treman State Park
105 Enfield Falls Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850

Phone:
(607) 273-5761 (summer)
Phone:
(607) 273-3440
Reservations:
(800) 456-2267

Seasons/Hours:
Park open all year. Camping season from mid-May to mid-October. All trails close November 10. Deer hunting, bow only, is permitted in season.

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. 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.

• Route 13 south of Ithaca.

Buttermilk Falls State Park is located southwest of Ithaca, New York, USA. Like Robert H. Treman State Park, the initial grant of land for the park came from Robert and Laura Treman, in 1924.

Trails

The nature 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 make for a loop of about 1.5 miles. 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 1.5 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.

Revolutionary War era soldier Joseph Plumb Martin mentioned a Buttermilk Falls in his diary; however, this refers to present day Highland Falls in the Hudson Valley and not in Ithaca

Attractions

• Beach
• Cabins
• Camper
• Recreation 
• Campsites 
• Empire Passport Accepted 
• Fishing 
• Hiking 
• Hunting Nature Trail 
• Pavilions
• Picnic Tables
• Playground
• Playing Field(s)
• Recreation Programs
• Scenic Views
• Showers
• Tent/Trailer Sites
• Waterfalls

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