Buttermilk Falls County Park
Directions
To reach the park from New York, take Greenbush Road south from Route 59 for about a third of a mile to a parking lot on the left side of the road. From New Jersey, take the Palisades Interstate Parkway north to Exit 5N (Route 303). Proceed north on Route 303 for 2.1 miles and bear right at a fork onto Greenbush Road North (do not turn very sharply right at the first intersection with Greenbush Road at 2.0 miles). Continue on Greenbush Road for 1.2 miles to the parking area for Buttermilk Falls County Park, on the right. GPS Coordinates: 41.086973, -73.947204
Park Overview
The land is primarily steep woodland, with Buttermilk Falls cascading down the mountain in a westerly direction. It forms a part of the Palisades ridge. There are numerous Chestnut Oak, Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Hemlock, Dogwood, Wild Rose and Sumac.
Trail Overview
An 0.9-mile blue-blazed trail begins at the northern end of the parking lot on Greenbush Road, climbs to the top of the falls, continues to several panoramic west-facing viewpoints, and descends on switchbacks to end at a white-blazed trail.
Starting from the southern end of the parking lot, the white trail heads southeast along a gravel park road to cross Schuyler Road at 0.7 mile, turns northeast to reach a junction with an orange blazed trail at 1.4 miles, and proceeds eastward through Schuyler Town Park to end at a junction with Long Path (aqua) at 1.8 miles. The 0.3-mile orange trail connects the white trail with the blue trail.
A red trail connects the white trail in Schuyler Town Park with Blauvelt SP at about 1.0 mile, allowing for longer loop hikes involving the Long Path.
Use Web Map link on this site for trail map. Click for detailed descriptions of hikes in the park.
Park Description
This 75-acre park is maintained in its natural state, with several hiking trails traversing the steep woodland. A highlight is Buttermilk Falls, which cascades down the mountain through a gorge.
The park was acquired by Rockland County in 1975. For decades, the falls have been a natural attraction for their deep gorge and ravine effects. From a flat rock at a scenic overlook, one can look south towards New Jersey, west towards the Ramapo Mountains, and north to South Mountain. With good visibility, one can see approximately 16,000 acres. At the turn of the 20th century, President Teddy Roosevelt, during his visits to Blauvelt, frequently rode horseback, stopping at this point for a view.