Gazing up from the base of Buttermilk Falls near the north entrance of the New York State Park, it’s evident why this majestic waterfall is so aptly named. With its turbulent water cascading over 165 feet of rock, the tumbling fluid creates a continuous milky foam of tiny water droplets and air bubbles, making a visit to Ithaca’s Buttermilk Falls State Park truly worthwhile.
The falls are deceptive, however, concealing a secret visible only after a brief hike along Gorge Trail on the western side of the falls. Within a few minutes, you can reach the top of the falls and admire the powerful surge of water flowing back toward the park entrance. But the true marvel lies beyond that first waterfall – one cascade follows another, revealing around 10 in total, with varying heights from 5 to 35 feet.
To reach the final one along Gorge Trail only requires a hike of 0.65 miles, but it’s steep with a total elevation gain of around 450 feet. I took it slowly, pausing periodically to not only catch my breath but to enjoy each of the numerous cascades with all their variety of sizes and shapes.
A perfect spot to pause is the quaint wooden pedestrian bridge about three-quarters of the way up. I counted over 400 stairs along the path to reach it, so take your time if needed. If you choose to continue, you’ll discover more waterfalls and pools, along with 40-foot Pinnacle Rock – a striking free-standing rock column sculpted by water erosion through the years.
From there, you have two options to return to the north car park. You can either take Rim Trail on the eastern side, which is slightly longer at 0.82 miles, or retrace your steps along Gorge Trail. Whichever route you choose, it’s advisable to use a hiking pole, as the path can be slippery from water spray in places.
Keep in mind that the water flow is seasonal and may be reduced to a trickle during summer droughts. Trails are also closed during winter months, so this makes a great hike when the spring rains hit. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the conditions before making plans to visit to avoid disappointment.
One of the best features of Buttermilk Falls is the choice of hiking options. For instance, you may want to merely walk the several hundred yards to the top of the first falls, then return for a relaxing lunch at a picnic table and enjoy the view of the main cascade. You may even consider a summer dip in the pool formed at the base of the falls before it empties into Cayuga Lake.
Or, for the more adventurous, you can hike all or part of the way up Gorge Trail, continuing on to Rim Trail if you wish. The choice is yours, depending on your fitness level. Be prepared, though – each new waterfall might inspire you to keep exploring for more around the next corner.
FEATURED PHOTO, TOP: Main waterfall at Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, New York. Photo by Nick Thomas.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines, including Boomer. His “Take a Hike!” column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that older adults might enjoy while traveling. See ItsAWonderfulHike.com.
Read more of Nick Thomas’s columns from Boomer, including Tinseltown celebrity nostalgia and humor as well as hiking destinations.