Trail Alerts // Hunting seasons have opened in parts of Tompkins County.
Wear blaze orange in areas where hunting is allowed. Check for the latest trail alerts before you go. See All Trail Alerts

Buttermilk Falls Bear Trail

Difficulty // Moderate
Activities // Hiking, Snowshoeing, Running
Distance // 0.68 miles
Features // Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available, Dog-friendly (on leash), Bus Stop Nearby
Route Type // Out and Back
Estimated hiking time // 14 mins
Open year-round.
Hunting not allowed.
Surface types // Earth
Trail markers // wayfinding signs

The Bear Trail winds along Buttermilk Creek through hillside woodlands and offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife.This is one of six trails featured in the park that wander through a remarkable variety of landscapes.

Part of the Buttermilk Falls State Park.

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
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    Parking Locations

    Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park
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    Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park Treman Lake
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    Check the New York State Parks website for current parking fee information.

    Bus Stops

    No bus stops available.

    Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park
    Get Directions

    Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park Treman Lake
    Get Directions

    Check the New York State Parks website for current parking fee information.

    No bus stops available.

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    Current Trail Alerts

    Roy H. Park Preserve

    • The north entrance to the Roy H. Park Preserve and the boardwalk will be closed to the public from Monday, July 7, through September 2025 as work is underway to install an ADA-accessible path. The south entrance will remain open during this time. Thank you for your patience.

    Fall Creek Gorge Natural Area

    • The section of trail in Fall Creek Gorge west of the suspension bridge to Chi Psi is unstable and closed until further notice.

    Cascadilla Gorge Natural Area

    • A portion of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail between Stewart Avenue and College Avenue is closed for construction and will reopen in spring, 2026. The trail between Linn Street (Treman Triangle) up to the Stewart Avenue Bridge is now open.

    Beebe Lake Natural Area

    • Hemlock Gorge trail upstream of Sackett Bridge is closed.