We will hike the Gorge Trail, which follows Buttermilk Creek as it cascades, dropping about 500 feet (150 m) along the trail. The Gorge Trail is complemented by Rim Trail on the other side of the creek, which makes for a loop of about 1.5 miles (2.4 km). This hike may take 1 ½ to 2 hours.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring a picnic lunch, bug spray, a hat, a hiking stick and water. Bathing suit optional If you’d like to go back to the falls for a swim after the hike (on your own).
Admission Fee: Note: There is a vehicle entry fee of $7
Directions will be sent when you RSVP. Caution: This is the weekend of the Route 90 Garage Sale. So if you are coming from North of Ithaca, find another route south.
This free event is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are invited to join us on two events to see what you think. The third time's a charm - we'll ask you to join Women Outdoors at that point. You can join now by clicking on Join Us.
RSVP for meeting location and directions.
More Information:
Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. The upper park has a small lake, hiking trails through woodlands and along the gorge and rim, picnic areas and playing fields. The lower park has a campground, pool and playing fields, beyond which is Larch Meadows. Larch Meadows is a wetland area through which a nature trail winds.
Buttermilk Creek descends more than 500 feet in a series of cascades, rapids, staircases, segmented falls, and plunges. The main falls, or Buttermilk Falls, is 165 ft high, tumbling in a wide, frothy cascade. It is divided into two equally high segments (the ‘first’ and ‘second’ fall), with a twist around the gorge in-between. There are numerous cascades and plunges along the rest of the trail, varying from 5 to 35 ft in height. A natural pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls provides swimming with the feel of an old swimming hole. Upstream, a scenic trail circles Lake Treman. The park features 5 trails that wander through a remarkable variety of landscapes. Beautiful scenery along a nice, moderately challenging hike up to the waterfalls.
Swimming: Swimming in the natural pool below the falls is open from the last weekend in June through Labor Day weekend. Call (607) 273-5761 for a more precise swimming schedule.
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