Well, with over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles, Ithaca and the surrounding area were literally carved out by the glaciers that formed gorges millions of years ago. If you are a waterfall lover and are looking for places to visit in NY, Ithaca is the best place for it. In a quick weekend trip, you can see a bunch of them as they are at a remarkably close distance. The gorgeous nature surrounding these waterfalls makes it more enthralling.

Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek. It flows through the steep valley side towards the Cayuga Lake which is the largest lake amongst the five finger lakes. Buttermilk Creek descends more than 500 feet in a series of cascades. A natural pool at the base of the Buttermilk Falls gives the feel of an old-time swimming hole. The park features 5 trails that wander through a remarkable variety of landscapes. Upstream there is a scenic trail circle of Lake Treman. There are a bunch of hiking trails through the woodland and along the gorge and the rim of the creek. There is a play field and picnicking area around the Falls.  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. Campers can tent camps, get in their RV or rent cabins in the property.

Visible from the state park entrance, cascading Buttermilk Falls is the largest of 10 falls along Buttermilk Creek as it plunges 600 feet to the valley. For real beauty hike the stairs into the heart of the gorge. You will ascend approximately 600 feet on the gorge trail from its beginning at Buttermilk Falls by the time it ends just past the 42ft “Pinnacle Rock”. The gorge trail follows Buttermilk Creek through its cool, moist, gorge past deep pools, sculpted rocks and several waterfalls. There are many beautiful stone steps on this trail making it a difficult hike for some visitors. Heading back from the Niagara Falls we stopped over to see the Cayuga lake.

After enjoying our day at the trails and lazing in the waterfront of the breath-taking lake the whole afternoon we finally started heading back home. Looking at the places to visit on our list we still had lot many waterfalls to see, and the Buttermilk Waterfalls was en-route our destination. The winding roads with lush green trees covering on both sides and the lake beyond the trees made a perfect picturesque route to the falls. We promised ourselves that we would stop over for half an hour as we had a long drive back home, which was promptly forgotten once we saw the beautiful Buttermilk Falls cascading over and the scenic trails around. The parking lot at the state park was filled up, so we decided to park in an adjacent parking lot. The walk from the parking lot to the Falls had a picnic place within the woods. The short walk led us to a wooden bridge which gave us the full glimpse of the cascading waterfalls. After enjoying the beauty for a while, we started to hike through the rim of the creek. Every landing place which got us closer to the top of the waterfall was beautiful and with the rock and greenery on the side.

The silence surrounding just to be cut off with the birds chirping made it very serene. The top of the falls has a bridge over it which can be accessed but looking at the waterfalls from the bottom makes it more worthwhile. Our dad who is an avid photographer was so mesmerized with the Falls that he filled his camera with a lot of memorable pictures. It was such a wonderful time and worthwhile. Once the sun started to set, we headed back home. Please do not forget your cameras and put on your shoes as there is a lot of hiking to do. The do allow swimming, please do pack your swim dress to enjoy the cool water.

Directions :- https://www.google.com/maps/place/Buttermilk+Falls+State+Park/@42.4168928,-76.5234321,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89d0811e696c99e1:0x13b98adb49c0f4c7!8m2!3d42.4168928!4d-76.5212434