Jumps/USA/USA/Buttermilk Falls
AREA CLOSED TO PUBLIC*

Buttermilk Falls Cliff Diving

Ithaca, New York, United States

Jump spotSpot Type
WaterWater Type
40 ftJump Height
See notesWater Depth
See notesLedge Approach

AREA CLOSED TO PUBLIC*

Alert details for this jump spot

Buttermilk Falls is a cliff jump spot in Ithaca, New York, United States. Use it only after confirming access, inspecting the water from close range, and identifying a safe exit.

AREA CLOSED TO PUBLIC: Park restrictions, slick gorge rock, waterfall hydraulics, shallow shelves, and crowding are the main concerns.

Overview

Jumping at Buttermilk Falls: At a Glance

Buttermilk Falls is a state-park waterfall gorge at Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca, New York in Ithaca, New York, United States. Treat it as an unstaffed cliff-diving reference point where access, water level, and the exact landing zone need a fresh local check before any visit.

Quick Answer

Buttermilk Falls is a cliff jump spot in Ithaca, New York, United States. Use it only after confirming access, inspecting the water from close range, and identifying a safe exit.

Key Takeaway

AREA CLOSED TO PUBLIC: Park restrictions, slick gorge rock, waterfall hydraulics, shallow shelves, and crowding are the main concerns.

Conditions and planning notes

Important Info for Cliff Diving at Buttermilk Falls

Water Depth

Falls pools can contain rock, hydraulics, and cold water. Conditions change after rain.

Access

Follow New York State Parks guidance and use only open, designated swimming or trail areas.

Approach

Stay on maintained paths; gorge rock can be wet, steep, and closed during unsafe conditions.

Hazards

Park restrictions, slick gorge rock, waterfall hydraulics, shallow shelves, and crowding are the main concerns.

Ledge Notes

No ledge note is attached, so do not treat gorge rims or waterfalls as usable jump ledges.

Safety Notes

Park restrictions, slick gorge rock, waterfall hydraulics, shallow shelves, and crowding are the main concerns.

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Map location

Buttermilk Falls

Ithaca, New York, United States

42.41759, -76.52323

40 ftWater pending

Quick Facts

RegionNew York
LocationIthaca area
Nearest AddressSee map
Coordinates42.41759, -76.52323
DirectionsGoogle Maps
Jump TypeJump spot
Water TypeWater
Jump Height40 ft
Water DepthVerify onsite
Ledge ApproachVerify onsite
Best SeasonVaries seasonally

Look Before You Jump

Check current rules and open dates
Verify water depth from the water, not the ledge
Confirm exits and swimming routes
Inspect water clarity and submerged hazards
Read posted signs and respect closures
View all guides

What to know about Cliff jumping at Buttermilk Falls.

Buttermilk Falls sits around Ithaca, New York, United States, putting this waterfall or plunge-pool spot in the orbit of Ithaca and the broader New York area of United States. Use the saved coordinates and current map view as a starting point, then confirm the exact approach locally because cliff-jumping access can change around parks, private land, roads, shorelines, and water-management areas.

In northern or mountain climates, spring runoff and cold water can be as important as ledge height. Conditions are not static: rain, snowmelt, drought, changing water levels, current, and weekend crowding can all change what looks like the same jump from one visit to the next. Treat saved route notes as background, not as a present-day clearance to jump.

The main assumed risks include cold or changing lake levels, submerged shelves, boat traffic, difficult exits, and limited rescue access. Even when the location appears open, access is separate from safety; a reachable ledge is not proof that jumping is allowed or sensible. Before anyone climbs to a ledge, inspect the landing zone from the water, identify the exit, look for submerged rocks or debris, and be willing to walk away if the depth, footing, legality, or rescue options are uncertain.

FAQs

Common questions about Cliff Diving at Buttermilk Falls.

Is Buttermilk Falls open for cliff diving?+
Follow New York State Parks guidance and use only open, designated swimming or trail areas.
How high is Buttermilk Falls?+
Buttermilk Falls is reported around up to about 40 feet. Recheck the exact takeoff and landing zone because water level and usable ledges can change.
What should I check before jumping at Buttermilk Falls?+
Check permission, current water conditions, depth, submerged hazards, the takeoff stance, the landing path, and the exit route. Park restrictions, slick gorge rock, waterfall hydraulics, shallow shelves, and crowding are the main concerns.

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