Buttermilk Falls Owl Creek Trail
Trail distance: 0.82 miles
Difficulty level(s): moderate
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. To the north of Buttermilk Creek is Owl Creek, a much smaller stream that also cascades down the steep slope. Starting just a short distance uphill from the Lower Buttermilk Falls parking area, the Owl Creek Trail crosses the stream and then continues uphill along the north rim of the creek; a bench at an overlook is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the view across the valley. The trail continues uphill to where it terminates at Stone Quarry Road, where the hiker can connect to trails on the Ithaca College Natural Lands.
Part of the Buttermilk Falls State Park trail network
Trailhead GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 42.410346
Longitude: -76.513679
Parking Locations
- Parking Lot : NY-13 S/NY-34 S/NY-96 S/Elmira Rd, 3 miles south of Ithaca (Lower/Main Park Trailhead).
Trail Attributes
- Good for Hiking
- Good for Running
- Good for Snowshoeing
- Scenic Vistas
- Unique Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking allowed
- Restrooms available
More Info
Part of interconnected trail system: Yes
Trail Surface: Earth
Trail Markers: wayfinding signs
Use of firearms for deer hunting is not allowed. Bow hunting may be allowed. BE SAFE: See the specific trail owner/steward’s website for the most up to date details
Open Year Round