Buttermilk Falls State Park
Total distance: 5.86 miles
Difficulty level(s): easy, moderate, difficult
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.
Individual Trails at This Site
These trails have their own narrative, photos, and additional trail information.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 42.39292
Longitude: -76.510638
Parking Locations
Multiple parking options may be specific to certain trails within this site.
- Parking Lot : NY 13, 5 miles south of Ithaca, on NY 327. Lower park entrance is first and upper park entrance is further along NY 327.
- Parking Lot : NY-13 S/NY-34 S/NY-96 S/Elmira Rd, 3 miles south of Ithaca (Lower/Main Park Trailhead).
Bus Stops
Elmira @ Spencer [Note: Elmira @ Buttermilk not recommended - no traffic light to cross street]
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
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)
Directions to Trailhead from Outbound Bus Stop
Summer only: TCAT Route 22. Bus stop is at park entrance.
Trail Attributes
- Good for Hiking
- Good for Running
- Good for Cross-Country Skiiing
- Good for Snowshoeing
- Lakes visible
- Scenic Vistas
- Unique Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking allowed
- Restrooms available
More Info
Part of interconnected trail system: Yes
Trail Surface: Earth, Earth, Gravel/Stone Dust
Trail Markers: white blaze, wayfinding signs, blue blaze
This trail contains a loop.
Hunting is allowed on this trail - use caution.
This trail is open year round.