Buttermilk Falls Owl Creek Trail

Difficulty // Moderate

Activities // Hiking, Snowshoeing, Running

Distance // 0.82 miles

Features // Scenic vistas, Waterfalls & Gorges, Unique wildlife viewing, Picnicking allowed, Restrooms available

Route Type // Out and Back

Estimated hiking time // 16 mins

Open year-round.

Hunting not allowed.

Surface types // Earth

Trail markers // wayfinding signs

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

This trail is part of the Buttermilk Falls State Park.