A west-east loop trail around the gorge lip offering sights of beautiful shale rock and deciduous forest laced with intermittent pine.

The Gorge-Rim Trail circles the most beautiful area of Buttermilk Falls State Park. Begin the trail near the swimming area at the base of Buttermilk Falls and ascend south. Immediately, you'll be treated to views of the lovely broad Buttermilk Falls. The trail ascends alongside the water into a woods of beech and hemlock. The path is graced continually by smaller falls racing to the fern-laced gathering pools. A footbridge is provided for crossing Buttermilk Creek and carries you to the return route and thus the parking area. Or you may choose to not cross the footbridge just yet and hike southbound to Pinnacle Rock, a 40-foot spire.

Directions: From Ithaca, NY, Travel 6 miles south along SR 13 to the park. The Gorge Trail (western side of Gorge-Rim Loop) begins near the swimming area at the base of Buttermilk Falls.

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Difficulty: Easy

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