After hiking to my third Buttermilk Falls in New York State, I’m beginning to think that the people in charge of naming things aren’t very creative. At least all of the waterfalls are completely different and breathtaking in their own ways. This Buttermilk Falls is located on a section of Eighteen Mile Creek called Hobuck Flats and this entire area is exquisite.
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Hiking to the Falls
The hike to the falls isn’t very far at all, about a 1-mile round trip. Head over the bridge (Make sure you stop and enjoy the view, it is fantastic from here) and hike along the creek. The trail will split not far from the bridge. The trail to the left will take you to the top of the falls, while the trail to the right (following the creek) leads to the bottom of the falls. Walk along the creek a little way and keep your eyes peeled for a small trail that leads off to the left, which will take you to the base of Buttermilk Falls. The creek trail is incredibly beautiful, although it is slightly overshadowed by the waterfall.
Buttermilk Falls is a stunning waterfall and visitors can get incredibly close to it. Keep in mind that this waterfall is on private property, and open to the public thanks to the generosity of the landowner. If you plan to visit, please be respectful and leave no trace.
There is another trail from the far side of the parking lot that takes you through a bamboo forest along the creek. If you have time, this is a pretty trail that gives you another view of the creek as well as walking through a tunnel of bamboo.
Fishing at Hobuck Flats
This is a popular fishing destination for fly fishing. When we visited there were several fishermen up and down the creek and they seemed like they were having a banner day. Everyone we passed seemed to be reeling in a fish. The bridge itself is a little piece of history, it is one of the few remaining bridges built by the Horsehead Bridge Company. What makes this bridge special is the braces had a unique design that was only used primarily by the Horsehead Bridge Company.
Out and About with Nova
Dogs are welcome at Hobuck Flats as long as they are leashed and their people clean up after them. Nova really enjoyed this waterfall. In the past, she has been overwhelmed by the rushing noise of the water crashing over the falls. (She is getting a lot better with this as she gets older and sees more waterfalls.) This waterfall while large wasn’t too loud, so she was excited to get a closer look at it.
This trail is easy for dogs, although the creekside trail that leads to the falls is rather narrow. It is not easy to keep your dog at a distance from others. (although when we visited, we didn’t meet anyone else on the lower trail.)
Getting to Buttermilk Fall at Hobuck Flats
Google Map Link
Have you visited Buttermilk Falls at Hobuck Flats? What did you think? Do you have a favorite New York State waterfall? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.