Quick Links

When Buttermilk Falls was created, it's almost like Mother Nature knew that it was bound to become one of the best swimming holes in New York State. This upstate cascade flows from the Buttermilk Creek down into Cayuga Lake, which is one of the most scenic of the Finger Lakes. The scenery surrounding Buttermilk Falls is enough to draw hikers from all over, but the pool at the bottom of it has become the area's best way to cool off on a summer day.

The hike to reach the falls isn't extraordinarily challenging, and it is well-traveled. The swimming hole itself looks like it could be man-made, but it's entirely the work of many years of water flows chiseling away at the surrounding stones. With various areas in which to swim at Buttermilk Falls, there is seemingly no shortage of spots in New York's peak season, especially for those taking a dip in this waterfall.

Getting To Buttermilk Falls State Park & Park Fees

While the falls are the main attraction, this waterfall is part of a larger park that includes many scenic hiking and nature trails, as well as a campground and playing fields. The park entrance is easily located off Route 13 South, at 112 East Buttermilk Falls Road. Open from dawn to dusk, the park attracts most visitors during the summer months when the short hike to Buttermilk Falls is the main event. Before entering the park, visitors will need to pay a vehicle fee (as is common with most New York State parks); pricing is as follows:

  • Cars: $9
  • Non-Commercial Bus Fee: $35
  • Commercial Bus Fee: $75
  • Seasonal Bus Permits: $75

These fees are collected from 6 AM until 6 PM daily, from April 1st until November 30th.

At the time of writing, swimming at Buttermilk Falls is closed until July 2nd due to flooding which has impacted the upper falls. Additionally, any and all swimming at the falls is dependent upon the weather conditions.

What To Know About Hiking To Buttermilk Falls

Swimming at Buttermilk Falls is a unique experience because not only is the hike to reach it short, but the falls themselves offer a plethora of options for swimmers. Even those who don't swim will appreciate wading in its shallower parts or something enjoying the banks of the waterfall and the stunning scenery that surrounds them.

Related: Hiking In Moab? Cool Off At The Mill Creek Swimming Hole

The Hike To Buttermilk Falls

In order to reach the falls, visitors must first complete a hike that's just over a mile and a half but is rated as easy to moderate. The loop trail is 1.6 miles in length and takes roughly one hour or slightly under to complete in full. Therefore, hikers should allocate this amount of time excluding the time they plan to spend at Buttermilk Falls and the swimming hole. Suggestions from previous hikers include wearing footwear that's comfortable but has good traction, as some parts of the trail near the falls can be slippery. Additionally, mud is commonly found on the trail, in addition to stairs, so hikers should be prepared for a variety of trail conditions.

The trail itself is well-maintained and very well-traveled, and hikers are likely to see other people on their way between the months of May and September. The trail is also popular for those who enjoy trail running, so it's also a good idea to be alert and step out of the way to allow others to pass safely. Upon reaching Buttermilk Falls, hikers have the option to complete the loop via the upward rim trail and downward gorge trail.

Swimming At Buttermilk Falls

Hikers are likely to hear the falls before they see them, and there will be a variety of things to do once they've arrived. At the bottom of the falls, there's a large swimming hole with steps that skirt the plunge pool. Additionally, there may be a lifeguard on duty here. The further up a hiker goes (should they decide to follow the trails to the upper falls), there are more areas where people will be lounging and cooling off.

While the main attraction is the pool at the bottom of the cascade, some people enjoy the smaller, shallower pools where mini-cascades branch off before the bottom pool. To the sides of each of these, hikers will find staircases that will continually take them up - or back down - along each of the sections of Buttermilk Falls. This is why it's such a popular spot - it's crowded, but there are plenty of places along the way to cool off and take in this beautiful waterfall.

Visitors to Buttermilk Falls should keep in mind that as tranquil as it may look, this waterfall is still powerful. Hikers should avoid swimming in off-limits areas and should not go out into remote areas of the falls out of sight of the lifeguard, or anywhere there are signs posted to keep away.