Buttermilk Falls
in the Adirondack Mountains
Would you like to try some buttermilk? Take the half-mile round trip hike to Buttermilk Falls in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The short, wide waterfall is a beautiful and easy-to-reach destination on the Raquette River near Long Lake. Buttermilk Falls is one of the area’s most popular trails, and rightfully so.
The short hike to Buttermilk Falls begins from a trailhead on North Point Road west of Long Lake and north of Blue Mountain Lake. You will be able to hear the tumbling waters of the Raquette River as soon as you step out of your vehicle, reassuring you that the waterfall is near. Follow the trail northwest over uneven but fairly level dirt ground. Cross hearty roots clinging to mossy boulders to arrive at the riverbank alongside Buttermilk Falls.
Buttermilk Falls is made up of a staircase of cascades totaling some twenty feet in height. Make your way down the river to gain a boarder view of the waterfall, whose foaming waters course over grey granite boulders.
A few picnic tables sit beneath the maples and firs along the river, so take the opportunity to relax and linger alongside Buttermilk Falls. With extra time, you may explore paths up and down the riverbank for views of the calmer water above and below Buttermilk Falls.
Buttermilk Falls is a year-round attraction, and autumn is a great season to visit the waterfall when the coursing water is flanked by colorful trees. No fee or permit is required to hike to Buttermilk Falls and dogs are welcome, so get out and enjoy!
To get to the trailhead: From Blue Mountain Lake, drive north on Route 28N for 7.6 miles and turn left on North Point Road (County Road 3), or from the town of Long Lake, drive 3 miles southwest to reach the intersection. Drive two miles down North Point Road to the trailhead on the right.
Trailhead address: North Point Road (County Road 3), Long Lake, NY 12847
Trailhead coordinates: 43.913998, -74.483024 (43° 54′ 50.39″N 74° 28′ 58.88″W)
You may also view a regional map of surrounding New York trails and campgrounds.
 | Grassy Pond This 1-mile round trip hike crosses level terrain to a peaceful pond, and the hike can be extended to 6 miles by hiking to the end of the trail and Wilson Pond. |
 | Rock Lake This easy 1.6-mile round trip hike visits a backcountry lake in the Adirondack Mountains near Blue Mountain. |
 | Sawyer Mountain This 2.5-mile round trip hike ascends 650 feet to a summit with panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding Adirondack peaks and valleys. |
 | Cascade Mountain & Porter Mountain This 6.2-mile hike bags a pair of High Peaks near Lake Placid with excellent views over the Adirondack Mountains. |
 | More trails in New York explore other hikes in the Empire State. |
 | Camping on Blue Mountain Lake There are six designated primitive sites on Blue Mountain Lake's wilderness islands and shore. Are you ready to boat to your campsite? |
I am visiting Lake George the first week of August
would like to visit the falls
any special events that week?
what is driving time from Lake George? thank you
Hi! I was wondering if this was a dog friendly place. Does anyone know?