About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a named waterfall in Albany County, New York, located about 0.6 miles east of Cohoes. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Troy North 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°46′33″ N, 73°41′16″ W (42.77583, -73.68778). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Mohawk River (stream, 1.0 mi), Salt Kill (stream, 1.6 mi), and Lansingburgh Reservoir (reservoir, 1.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Cohoes Falls, 1.4 miles to the northwest.
Weather at Buttermilk Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Buttermilk Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Buttermilk Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Buttermilk Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Mohawk River — stream, 1.0 mi
- Salt Kill — stream, 1.6 mi
- Lansingburgh Reservoir — reservoir, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 42.77583, -73.68778. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Buttermilk Falls
- Money Brook Falls, MA27 mi east
- Lulu Cascade, MA28 mi southeast
- Rensselaerville Falls, NY29 mi southwest
- Rossman Falls, NY31 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buttermilk Falls located?
Buttermilk Falls is in Albany County, New York, about 0.6 miles east of Cohoes. Its coordinates are 42.77583, -73.68778 (42°46′33″ N, 73°41′16″ W).
What town is closest to Buttermilk Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Cohoes, NY, about 0.6 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Buttermilk Falls?
The closest is Cohoes Falls (1.4 mi northwest). Others within reach include Horton Falls (14 mi), Mine Lot Falls (19 mi), and Bozen Kill Falls (22 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Buttermilk Falls?
Buttermilk Falls appears on the USGS Troy North 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.