Trail Alerts // Check for the latest trail alerts before you go. See All Trail Alerts

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Difficulty // Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Activities // Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross-country Skiing, Running
Distance // 5.9 miles
Features // Lakes visible, Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash)
Route Type // Loop
Estimated hiking time // 2 hrs 22 mins
Open year-round.
Hunting allowed, use caution.
Surface types // Earth, Gravel / Stone Dust
Trail markers // white blaze, wayfinding signs, blue blaze

Buttermilk Creek drops 600 feet as it plunges through a gorge down the eastern slope of the Cayuga Valley at the southernmost edge of the City of Ithaca. Five trails in the park wander through a remarkable variety of landscapes.

Portions of this trail system are also included in the Finger Lakes Trail system.

White hiking boot on a brown circular background, symbolizing hiking or walking trails.
Hiking
White standard bicycle on a light blue circular background, denoting cycling or bike trails.
Biking
White electric bicycle with a lightning bolt above it on a green circular background, representing e-bike use.
e-Biking
White outline of a horseshoe centered on a gold circular background, symbolizing horseback riding.
Horse
White icon of a person running with motion lines on a dark blue circular background, symbolizing physical activity or trail use.
running
White icon of a kayak with a double-bladed paddle on a brown circular background, representing paddling or kayaking.
Paddling
White crossed skis and ski poles on a light blue circular background, indicating winter sports or skiing.
Skiing
White outline of two crisscrossed snowshoes on a green circular background, representing snowshoeing activity.
Snowshoe
Distance // 0 Miles
Difficulty // Easy

    Parking Locations

    Access to FLT through Treman or Sweedler Preserve
    Get Directions

    Lower Buttermilk Falls State Park
    Get Directions

    Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park
    Get Directions

    Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park Treman Lake
    Get Directions

    Bus Stops

    • Elmira @ Spencer [Note: Elmira @ Buttermilk not recommended - no traffic light to cross street] - Get Directions

      Turn right on Spencer, walk 1 block, then right at T intersection to old railbed, continue 500 ft, slight left on wooden bridge to enter parking lot.

    • Lower Buttermilk State Park (Summer only) - Get Directions

      Summer only: TCAT Route 22. Bus stop is at park entrance.

    Access to FLT through Treman or Sweedler Preserve
    Get Directions

    Lower Buttermilk Falls State Park
    Get Directions

    Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park
    Get Directions

    Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park Treman Lake
    Get Directions

    • Elmira @ Spencer [Note: Elmira @ Buttermilk not recommended - no traffic light to cross street] - Get Directions

      Turn right on Spencer, walk 1 block, then right at T intersection to old railbed, continue 500 ft, slight left on wooden bridge to enter parking lot.

    • Lower Buttermilk State Park (Summer only) - Get Directions

      Summer only: TCAT Route 22. Bus stop is at park entrance.

    Trails. Views. Adventure. Ithaca.

    Explore Our Trails

    Report a Problem

    Send Us Your Photos

    Current Trail Alerts

    Good news! There are no trail alerts right now.