Buttermilk Falls State Park

For New Yorkers seeking a refreshing escape into nature, where cascading waterfalls and lush gorges create a picturesque backdrop, Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY, presents an idyllic camping destination. This renowned state park, situated in the heart of the stunning Finger Lakes region, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities, making it an ideal choice for families, adventurers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors.

Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the magnificent foaming cascade of Buttermilk Creek, which tumbles down steep valley sides towards Cayuga Lake. The park is ingeniously divided into an upper and lower section, each offering unique attractions. The lower park is home to the campground, a delightful natural swimming pool at the base of the falls, and expansive playing fields, while the upper park features a small lake, extensive hiking trails, and serene woodlands. This diverse landscape ensures that every visitor finds something to captivate their interest, from invigorating hikes to peaceful picnics.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Buttermilk Falls State Park provides a welcoming and well-maintained environment. With options for tents, smaller RVs, and cozy cabins, it caters to various camping styles, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. This introduction aims to entice local New Yorkers, showcasing Buttermilk Falls State Park as a premier destination for their next outdoor adventure. Let's delve into the details that make this park a cherished gem in the New York State Parks system.

Buttermilk Falls State Park is conveniently located in South Hill, NY 14850, USA, just a short drive from the vibrant city of Ithaca. The main entrance to the park and the lower section, which houses the campground and swimming area, is easily accessible at 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Rd, off Route 13. This strategic location in the Finger Lakes region, immediately south of Cayuga Lake, means it's within a reasonable driving distance for many New York residents, offering a quick and straightforward escape to nature.

The accessibility of the park is a significant advantage. Paved roads lead directly to the main parking areas in the lower park, where visitors can easily access the iconic Buttermilk Falls, the natural swimming pool, and the campground. For those exploring the upper park, various access points lead to Lake Treman and the extensive trail networks. While the park trails themselves can involve steep inclines and stone steps, offering a moderate challenge for hikers, the main viewing areas of the falls from the lower park are accessible from the parking area on paved surfaces.

The park's proximity to Ithaca is another key aspect of its accessibility. Campers can easily venture into Ithaca for supplies, dining, or to explore other local attractions, including Cornell University's beautiful campus and other Finger Lakes gorges and waterfalls like Robert H. Treman State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park. This blend of natural seclusion within the park and easy access to urban amenities makes Buttermilk Falls State Park an incredibly convenient and appealing destination for New Yorkers looking for both wilderness immersion and cultural exploration.

Buttermilk Falls State Park offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and engaging camping experience, balancing rustic charm with essential conveniences. The campground is well-equipped to host various types of campers:

• Campsites for Tents and Smaller RVs/Trailers: The campground features approximately 25 designated sites suitable for tents and smaller RVs or trailers, with gravel pads and shaded by woodlands. Note that RVs/trailers are limited to a maximum length of 20 feet.

• Rustic Cabin Rentals: For those seeking a bit more comfort, the park offers 7 cabins, some historic with electricity (sleeping 4) and some modern without electricity (sleeping 5). Cabins require a two-night minimum stay.

• Modern Bathrooms and Hot Showers: Centrally located, clean, and modern bathroom facilities with hot showers are available for all campers, a significant amenity especially after a day of hiking.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires. There are also several picnic areas with grills available for day use around the park.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV and trailer campers, although individual site hookups (electric, water, sewer) are generally not provided.

• Potable Water Stations: While individual site hookups are absent, potable water stations are available throughout the campground.

• Camper Recreation Shelter: A designated shelter provides a communal space for campers, particularly useful during inclement weather.

• Seasonal Life-Guarded Swimming: A natural pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls offers lifeguarded swimming during the summer season (typically late June to mid-August), dependent on lifeguard staffing and water quality.

• Seasonal Vehicle Entry Fee: A fee is collected for vehicle entry to the park, typically from April 1 to November 30.

• Online Reservations: Camping and cabin reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made through Reserve America or the New York State Parks website.

Buttermilk Falls State Park is rich with features and highlights that draw visitors from across New York and beyond, offering a diverse array of experiences for all ages:

• Spectacular Waterfalls and Gorges: The park's namesake, Buttermilk Falls, is a magnificent 165-foot cascading waterfall that is the centerpiece of the park. The "gorge" and "rim" trails provide stunning views of the falls and the sculpted rock formations carved by Buttermilk Creek, creating a truly "gorge-ous" landscape.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: A network of "5 trails" wanders through a "remarkable variety of landscapes." The popular Gorge Trail and Rim Trail form a scenic loop, allowing hikers to ascend approximately 600 feet, exploring deep pools, unique rock formations, and several smaller waterfalls. Other trails like the Bear Trail, Larch Meadow Trail (a wetland area), and Lake Treman Trail offer diverse environments for exploration.

• Natural Swimming Pool: A unique highlight is the natural swimming pool located at the base of Buttermilk Falls. This "old-fashioned swimming hole" provides a refreshing and scenic spot to cool off during warm summer days, complete with certified lifeguards during operating hours.

• Variety of Accommodations: Beyond traditional tent sites, the availability of "cozy cabins" (some historic, some modern) offers a more comfortable and private lodging option, catering to different preferences and group sizes. Campsites are described as "spacious and inviting," with a "deeply forested" feel providing privacy.

• Year-Round Recreation: While camping is seasonal (May-October), the park itself is open year-round for day use activities. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, wildlife watching (including white-tailed deer, beavers, and various birds), nature photography, and even cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

• Educational Opportunities: The Finger Lakes Environmental Education Department offers scheduled gorge tours and free educational programs, providing insights into the park's geology, ecology, and history. A self-guided geology tour is also available via the PocketSights app.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: With playing fields, a playground, and picnic areas, the park is well-suited for families. The supervised swimming area adds to its appeal for those with children.

• Proximity to Ithaca Attractions: The park's location offers easy access to the vibrant city of Ithaca, with its unique shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, as well as other Finger Lakes attractions like Cayuga Lake for boating and other waterfalls.

For inquiries, reservations, or to get the most current information regarding Buttermilk Falls State Park, New York locals can use the following contact details:

Address: 112 E. Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA (This is the primary address for the lower park, where the campground and main facilities are located.)

Phone: (607) 273-5761 (This is the direct phone number for the Buttermilk Falls State Park office, where staff can provide up-to-date information on park conditions, swimming schedules, and facility status.)

For camping and cabin reservations, particularly during the peak season, it is highly recommended to use the official online reservation platform:

Website for Reservations: www.reserveamerica.com (Search for "Buttermilk Falls State Park")

Additionally, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website provides comprehensive details about the park, including maps, fees, and rules:

Official Park Website: parks.ny.gov/parks/buttermilkfalls

It is always advisable to check these official sources or call the park directly before your visit to confirm operating hours, any temporary closures, or specific regulations, especially regarding fire restrictions or swimming availability, as conditions can change seasonally.

Buttermilk Falls State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for New York locals, offering a quintessential outdoor experience right in their backyard. Its location in Ithaca, within the easily accessible Finger Lakes region, means that a stunning natural escape is never too far away. This proximity allows New Yorkers to enjoy frequent visits, whether for a quick day trip to hike and swim or a relaxing weekend camping getaway.

For families, the park is a true treasure. The natural swimming pool at the base of the falls, coupled with lifeguards during the summer, provides a safe and incredibly scenic spot for children and adults alike to cool off. The playgrounds and playing fields offer ample space for kids to run and play, while the diverse hiking trails cater to all fitness levels, making it easy for families to explore together. The option of both tent sites and comfortable cabins means that families can choose the accommodation that best suits their needs, ensuring a pleasant stay regardless of their camping style.

Beyond families, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the direct access to challenging and scenic hiking, the opportunities for fishing in Buttermilk Creek, and the chance for wildlife observation and nature photography. The clean bathhouses with hot showers and the availability of a dump station for RVs enhance the overall comfort, proving that a natural retreat doesn't have to mean sacrificing essential conveniences. Buttermilk Falls State Park truly embodies the diverse beauty of New York's natural landscape, offering a memorable and accessible haven for locals to create lasting outdoor memories season after season.