Cliff Jumping at Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca, New York

About this spot

Buttermilk Falls State Park is named for the frothy flow created by Buttermilk Creek descending the steep terrain toward Cayuga Lake. The upper section features a small lake, woodland hiking paths, gorge and rim trails, picnic grounds and athletic fields. The lower section contains camping facilities, a swimming pool and athletic fields, with Larch Meadows beyond—a shaded, moisture-rich area with a nature trail running through it. To reach the jumping area: Take Route 13 south of Ithaca and follow park signage. From the base swimming zone, hike the falls trail upward for approximately half a mile. You'll encounter a roughly 40-foot waterfall, followed by a narrow channel about 8 feet across feeding into it. Continuing another 100 feet, a large circular pool roughly 10 feet in depth appears with a 15-foot cliff face adjacent to it. Above this basin sits a mostly flat ledge with minimal water depth. Jumpers use the 15-foot ledge to enter the basin. Note that water depth is limited to 10 feet and park rangers enforce no-jumping rules with visitor removal. The park operates year-round with camping available mid-May through mid-October. All trails close November 10. Bow hunting occurs during deer season. Pets must be domestic animals only, either caged or leashed at 6 feet maximum, with current rabies vaccination documentation required. Animals cannot access designated swimming areas.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

Buttermilk Falls

About this spot

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