The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, New York is a difficult 1 mile one-way trail that features the ~40-foot tall, Buttermilk Falls, along with several upstream cascades.
The Gorge Trail then leads upstream as it passes several other, smaller, multi-tiered waterfalls. The scenic stonework of the trail matches the rest of New York State Park's idyllic scenery and feels like something out of Lord of the Rings. The trail ends along West King rd in which you can take the Rim Trail back for a 2 mile loop.
While hiking along this trail you get numerous views of scenic waterfalls, so the hike to the top is well worth the effort.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on these trails if leashed and should be cleaned up after. Popularity
This is a very popular hiking destination near Ithaca, especially on weekends.
Hiking the Buttermilk Fall's Gorge
This hike begins at the main parking lot where you'll find the Gorge Trail located on the east side of the lot. You don't even need to hike the trail to enjoy Buttermilk Falls as the cascade presents itself at the bottom of the gorge, located right next to the parking lot. The trail leads uphill and first passes Buttermilk Falls. The view of the waterfall is best seen from its base, but the hike up alongside the cascade provides a different perspective.The Gorge Trail then leads upstream as it passes several other, smaller, multi-tiered waterfalls. The scenic stonework of the trail matches the rest of New York State Park's idyllic scenery and feels like something out of Lord of the Rings. The trail ends along West King rd in which you can take the Rim Trail back for a 2 mile loop.
While hiking along this trail you get numerous views of scenic waterfalls, so the hike to the top is well worth the effort.
