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Just a few miles southwest of downtown Ithaca, NY, Buttermilk Falls State Park is 811 acres of shady woods, wetland meadows, and no less than 10 waterfalls cascading down a narrow gorge toward Cayuga Lake. It also makes a great place for camping near New York. The park was designated in 1924, yet its namesake cascade, Buttermilk Falls, was named as early as 1866, as it was likened to “a mass of thick, frothy foam” as it tumbles down a 165-foot slab of layered stone. This makes Buttermilk Falls the park’s main attraction, and the wide pool beneath the falls is a popular swimming hole for cooling off in the summer months. The park’s many other falls, ranging in height from 5 to 35 feet, are viewable from some of the 5.5 miles of hiking trails along the Buttermilk Creek gorge. The park offers free guided gorge tours and interpretive programs.
The campground at Buttermilk Falls is small, offering only 25 tent and RV sites and 18 rental cabins. Campsites are mostly back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers only to a maximum of 20 feet. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits; hookups are not available. Of the cabins available, visitors can choose from historic cabins with electricity and modern cabins sans electricity. There is one ADA accessible campsite and cabin available. Campground amenities include a bathhouse with showers, a picnic shelter, and a trash/recycling station. A trailhead in the campground provides walking access to the park’s trail network, viewpoints, playground and ball fields. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed, and only in pet-friendly areas. Campsite rates are $15–$24/night; cabins are $52–$60/night with two-night minimum. The park also charges an entry fee.
Stumbled upon this place and we are glad we did! Every fall was absolutely stunning. The more you walk the more beautiful the falls get. Truly breathtaking in every way. This is a place you will never get bored off. Will have to revisit in different seasons to make the most of this natural beauty hotspot.
The falls were just an amazing site to take in. The first falls you see from the parking lot are just touching what is hidden in the woods.
The hike is one of the nicer hikes I've taken in a while. It has its difficult parts depending on if you take the trail or the steps. There are many more spectacular views of falls and water cutting features in the rock formations.
I walked with my 2 dogs, so yes, dog friendly just keep a eye on them as they just wanted to swim and there are several locations they could but just as quick they could get caught in rock joint or slip on a formation and bad things can happen quickly, so keep them close.
Restrooms were clean, and the grassy area around the restrooms was a great resting area for your pups.
Just beware of the ticks. Found about 8-10 on my one dog and 2 on the other. Yes, you're in a wooded area, so one should be prepared to check for ticks.
