About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a named waterfall in Orange County, New York, located in Highland Falls. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Peekskill 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 41°22′12″ N, 73°57′43″ W (41.37000, -73.96194). Historical sources also record the name Boter Melck Val. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Highland Brook (stream, under 0.1 mi), Roe Pond (reservoir, 0.5 mi), and Arden Brook (stream, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Buttermilk Falls, 22 miles to the southwest.
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.
- Highland Brook — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Roe Pond — reservoir, 0.5 mi
- Arden Brook — stream, 0.9 mi
- Dassori Pond — lake, 0.9 mi
- Pells Pond — lake, 1.0 mi
- Sugarloaf Hill — summit, 1.1 mi
- Stony Lonesome Brook — stream, 1.1 mi
- Crystal Lake — lake, 1.2 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 41.37000, -73.96194. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Buttermilk Falls
- Great Falls, NJ33 mi south
- Passaic Falls, NJ33 mi south
- Roxbury Falls, CT35 mi east
- Hanging Rock Falls, NY35 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buttermilk Falls located?
Buttermilk Falls is in Orange County, New York, in Highland Falls. Its coordinates are 41.37000, -73.96194 (41°22′12″ N, 73°57′43″ W).
What town is closest to Buttermilk Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Highland Falls, NY, about 0.2 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 Buttermilk Falls (22 mi southwest). Others within reach include Verkeerder Kill Falls (29 mi), Awosting Falls (29 mi), and Stony Kill Falls (30 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Buttermilk Falls?
Buttermilk Falls appears on the USGS Peekskill 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.