Upper Buttermilk Falls parking
Park
0.1 mi
5 (5)
301 W King Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
FallsNY
Buttermilk Falls State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan your visit to Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca. Guide to swimming, hiking the gorge trail, park fees, facilities, and safety tips.
Water type
Falls
Access
Designated area only
Fee
$10 per car listed by NYS Parks, collected April through November; confirm current fees.
Best season
Choose a date within the park's published swimming season and confirm same-day availability. Park opening hours do not guarantee swimming
Nearby towns
Ithaca
Water body
Buttermilk Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Ithaca
Access location not verified
42.41125, -76.51300
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Buttermilk Falls State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca
Buttermilk Creek descends through a wooded gorge to the lower park, where a natural pool is used for seasonal swimming. Waterfall viewing and swimming are different activities here: park access does not mean the swimming area is open.
Check swimming before traveling
Use only the designated swimming area when it is open and lifeguards are on duty. Water quality, weather, environmental conditions and staffing can cause closures. Call 607-273-5761 or check the official park alerts before planning a swim. Do not treat other gorge pools as swimming areas or assume diving is permitted.
Arriving and exploring
The main entrance is at 106 E. Buttermilk Falls Road, off Route 13 South in Ithaca. It serves the lower falls, campground and swimming area. The upper entrance serves a different day-use area, Lake Treman and gorge trails. The park is generally open dawn to dusk year-round, but swimming follows a separate seasonal schedule. Gorge walks involve stone steps and elevation gain; follow trail closures and wear footwear with traction.
Fees, facilities and pets
The official park page lists a $10 car entry fee collected April through November. Showers, picnic facilities, a playground, campsites and cabins are listed among the amenities. Reserve cabins in advance; campsite reservations are strongly recommended. Pets must follow park restrictions and are not permitted on guarded beaches, except service animals.
Plan a flexible visit
A closed swimming area can still leave options for permitted trails and waterfall views. Check the official park page for alerts, fees and seasonal schedules. Compare other New York swimming locations before choosing a backup destination.
Getting There
Use the main entrance at 106 E. Buttermilk Falls Road, off Route 13 South in Ithaca, for the lower falls and designated swimming area. The upper entrance serves a separate day-use area. Follow park signs and current access restrictions.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Park access is generally dawn to dusk year-round. Swimming has a separate seasonal schedule and requires the designated area to be open with lifeguards on duty. Call 607-273-5761 before traveling.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Buttermilk Falls State Park
State park
0.3 mi
4.7 (5981)
106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
811-acres of wooded parkland featuring hiking paths, a lake, waterfall & campgrounds.
Barbecue grillBaseball fieldPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Buttermilk Falls
Park
0.5 mi
4.8 (220)
112 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Gorge Trail
Hiking area
0.6 mi
4.8 (413)
112 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Steep 0.65-mi. hiking trail along a gorge with dramatic rock formations, waterfalls & pools.
Visit Ithaca's Downtown Visitor Center at the Tompkins Center for History & Culture
Tourist information center
2.1 mi
4.6 (18)
110 N Tioga St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Restroom
Ithaca Falls Parking
Parking lot
3 mi
3.5 (14)
Lake St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Martin Y. Tang Welcome Center
Visitor center
3.3 mi
4.7 (133)
616 Thurston Ave, Ithaca, NY 14853
Restroom
Restroom
Public bathroom
3.5 mi
5 (3)
Stewart Park Ln, Ithaca, NY 14850
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Buttermilk Falls State Park
Can you swim at Buttermilk Falls State Park?
Yes, in the designated area when it is open and lifeguards are on duty. Swimming can close because of water quality, weather or staffing. Call 607-273-5761 before traveling. Other gorge pools are not swimming areas.
Does year-round park access mean swimming is open?
No. The park is generally open dawn to dusk year-round, but swimming follows a separate seasonal schedule. Check official alerts and confirm availability before planning a swim.
Which entrance should I use?
Use the main entrance at 106 E. Buttermilk Falls Road in Ithaca for the lower falls, campground and swimming area. The upper entrance serves a separate day-use area and trails.
Highlights
Main waterfall and lower park natural pool
Seasonal lifeguard-dependent swimming
Gorge trails with stone steps
Camping and picnic facilities
Unique Features
Buttermilk Creek gorge and cascades
Separate upper and lower park entrances
Waterfall views in multiple seasons
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Swim only in the designated area when open and lifeguards are on duty
- Do not enter other gorge pools or assume diving is permitted
- Obey trail closures and keep children closely supervised
- Water quality, weather and staffing may close swimming
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Donated by the Treman family in 1924, Buttermilk Falls State Park reflects Ithaca’s history of conservation and dedication to preserving natural spaces. Its name symbolizes the frothy cascades of Buttermilk Creek.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Capture cascading waterfalls from various angles, vibrant autumn foliage, and tranquil creek scenes. The golden hour near the swimming hole offers especially striking photos.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors are encouraged to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, including packing out trash and avoiding damage to plant life. Efforts to preserve water quality and protect the gorge’s geological integrity are ongoing.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a date within the park's published swimming season and confirm same-day availability. Park opening hours do not guarantee swimming.
Difficulty Level
Gorge trails include many stone steps and elevation gain. Trail difficulty differs from access to the lower park swimming area.
Fee
$10 per car listed by NYS Parks, collected April through November; confirm current fees.
Facilities
NYS Parks lists showers, picnic facilities, a playground, campsites and cabins. Availability is seasonal; confirm facilities needed for your visit.
Activities
Seasonal swimming in the designated area when open; hiking and waterfall viewing
Phone
607-273-5761
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Campsites and cabins available seasonally. Advance cabin reservations required; campsite reservations strongly recommended.
Nearby Attractions
- Taughannock Falls State Park - State Park
- Cayuga Lake - Natural Feature
- Ithaca Commons - Town
- Cornell Botanic Gardens - Historic Site
- Watkins Glen State Park - State Park
- Seneca Lake - Natural Feature
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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