About Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is a named waterfall in Greene County, New York, located about 2.6 miles west of Palenville. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kaaterskill Clove 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°10′31″ N, 74°04′18″ W (42.17537, -74.07180). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Santa Cruz Ravine (valley, 0.7 mi), Spruce Creek (stream, 0.7 mi), and Wildcat Ravine (valley, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Kaaterskill Falls, 1.3 miles to the north.
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.
Visitor Ratings
Buttermilk Falls holds a 5.0 average from 4 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
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.
- Santa Cruz Ravine — valley, 0.7 mi
- Spruce Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Wildcat Ravine — valley, 0.7 mi
- Hillyer Ravine — valley, 0.8 mi
- High Peak — summit, 1.0 mi
- Roundtop Mountain — summit, 1.3 mi
- South Mountain — summit, 1.5 mi
- South Lake — reservoir, 1.8 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 42.17537, -74.07180. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Buttermilk Falls
- Buttermilk Falls, NY19 mi east
- Rossman Falls, NY20 mi northeast
- Meadow Falls, NY21 mi northeast
- High Falls, NY22 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buttermilk Falls located?
Buttermilk Falls is in Greene County, New York, about 2.6 miles west of Palenville. Its coordinates are 42.17537, -74.07180 (42°10′31″ N, 74°04′18″ W).
What town is closest to Buttermilk Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Palenville, NY, about 2.6 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 Kaaterskill Falls (1.3 mi north). Others within reach include Plattekill Falls (3.1 mi), Old Mill Falls (3.1 mi), and Schalks Falls (4.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Buttermilk Falls?
Buttermilk Falls appears on the USGS Kaaterskill Clove 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.