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Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls at Lehigh Gorge State Park near Weatherly, Pennsylvania is an easy universally-accessible 0.7-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the 50-foot tall multi-tiered waterfall, Buttermilk Falls.

Trails
This hike follows one named trail: D&L Trail.

Universal Accessibility
The D&L Trail is universally-accessible and is accessible all the way to the viewing area for Buttermilk Falls.

Hike Description
This trail begins at the main parking lot for the Lehigh Gorge State Park Rockport Access. The main trail that hikers will follow is the D&L Trail which can be found on the Eastern side of the parking lot. The trail runs the length of the Lehigh Gorge, but this out-and-back hike follows a short segment. Hikers will hike North, first crossing a bridge that spans Buck Mountain Creek, then will pass a boat launch for white water rafting in the Lehigh River. The trail's also surrounded by tall rock ledges and provides neat gorge scenery for hikers pretty much right out of the gate. The trail then runs flat along the Lehigh River to reach Buttermilk Falls located further down the gorge.

Buttermilk Falls - Mile 0.34
Around mile 0.34, hikers will reach the 50-foot tall multi-tiered waterfall known as Buttermilk Falls. The waterfall can be viewed easily from the trail or if you choose, you can hike down the rocks to reach the base of the waterfall for a different view. Buttermilk Falls is about 50-feet tall in total but cascades down several different tiers amongst the bedrock of the Lehigh Gorge. This waterfall is impressive and one of the more popular waterfalls to hike to in the area due to its ease of accessibility.

The walk out follows the same path to complete this hike for 0.7-miles. While in the area, you might want to consider checking out Luke's Falls, Buck Mountain Falls, or even the Rockport Mine Tunnel.

Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided, located at the end of Rockport Road in Weatherly. The lot is large enough to fit a couple dozen vehicles.

Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.

Restrooms
As of November 2023, there are non-flush restrooms located to the south of the parking lot along the D&L Trail.

Water Source
As of November 2023, there's a potable water station near the restrooms located to the south of the parking lot along the D&L Trail.
Explore 19 trails near Weatherly, PA

Know Before You Go

  • Buttermilk Falls Trail is an easy, universally-accessible 0.7-mile hike in Lehigh Gorge State Park that leads to a 50-foot waterfall.
  • The trail follows a segment of the D&L Trail, offering scenic gorge views and easy access to Buttermilk Falls.
  • The Rockport Access parking lot provides ample parking, restrooms, a potable water station, and allows leashed dogs.
Interactive topographic map for Buttermilk Falls located in Weatherly, PA. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
0.7 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
21 min
Elev. Gain
22'
Rating
5.0
Added
November 18, 2023
Updated
January 04, 2024

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
14'
Ascent
22'
Descent
22'
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Features

Dogs
Waterfalls
Water Source
Biking

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    40.966571, -75.755182
  2. Main Trailhead

    40.966681, -75.755042

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Poison Ivy or Poison Oak
Rockfalls, Ledges, or Scrambles

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Universal Access

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating.

Ready to help fellow hikers? Add a trip report to share your experience and provide valuable insights for other hikers!

0.7 miles / 1.1 km
November 18, 2023
Really nice waterfall in the Lehigh Gorge. Very easy and flat walk out to see it.
Hiking
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

Popular categories

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