Buttermilk Falls State Park
Ithaca, Tompkins Co.
You could experience anything from the sight of a large, impressive pileated woodpecker to the yipping of coyotes as you hike quietly through the deep, wooded gorge past beautiful potholes and waterfalls to spectacular Buttermilk Falls.
Wildlife to Watch
- Gray and red squirrels, chipmunks, cottontail rabbits, skunks, raccoons, opossum,
red foxes - Little brown bats, big brown bats, flying squirrels, coyotes (at dusk)
- Ruffed grouse, turkey, pileated woodpeckers, owls, great blue heron
- Sharp-shinned, red-tailed, and broad-winged hawks
- Many songbirds (especially during the mid-May migratory peak)
- Woodchucks, muskrats, beavers
Where to Watch
- Gorge
- Stream
- Potholes
- Wetland, forest
Recreational Opportunities
- Hiking
- Hunting and fishing
- Picnic pavilions, playgrounds and playing fields
- Swimming in the falls plunge pool
- Cabins and tent sites available
Accessible Features
This Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation site has accessible features that include fishing, camping, scenic views, a beach, picnic pavilions and recreation programs. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.
Size
751 acres
Closest Town
Ithaca
Directions
See Google Maps for step by step directions to Buttermilk Falls (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold "Shift" down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window)
Contact Information
Address: 112 East Buttermilk Falls Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Telephone: (607) 273-5761
Website: Buttermilk State Park (This link leaves DEC's website)
Photo Credits: John Rozell, Susan Shafer, John Rozell