Buttermilk Falls

Ulster County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Ulster County, New York
Access status: Partial guide: short path, but legal parking at the pull-off is not confirmed under DEC corridor rules
The walk: Short; NYFalls allows about 30 minutes
Ground & access: Short dirt path with slight grades. Not wheelchair accessible.

Buttermilk Falls is a 36-foot cascade on Buttermilk Falls Brook just above Rondout Creek in the Peekamoose Valley, Town of Denning, in the Catskill Forest Preserve. NYFalls says to park at a small gravel pull-off on the right side of Peekamoose Road about 2 miles past Peekamoose Lake, coming from West Shokan, then take the short dirt path to the falls. DEC rules for the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor require a $10 advance permit from May 15 to September 15 and allow parking only in designated lots. Whether this pull-off counts as a designated lot is not stated.

Plan your visit

Small gravel pull-off on Peekamoose Road in the Peekamoose Valley, short dirt path to Buttermilk Falls

NYFalls gives time, not distance: about 30 minutes.

Short dirt path with slight grades. Not wheelchair accessible.

Where to start

NYFalls describes a small unsigned gravel roadside lot with room for about 6 cars. DEC prohibits parking along the road shoulder in the Peekamoose corridor, and roadside vehicles are ticketed or towed. Outside the permit season the permit is not required.

Timing & water

Best in spring and fall. Many falls in the valley dry up quickly; this one tends to keep more flow.

Before you go

DEC permit of $10 per vehicle, bought online at least 24 hours ahead, required from May 15 to September 15 for the Peekamoose Valley Riparian Corridor. No permit outside that period.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Ulster County, New York.

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