The best cycling routes in Buttermilk Falls State Park
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32
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If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Buttermilk Falls State Park, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best touring cycling experiences around the park, saving you the guesswork.
While the dramatic gorges and waterfalls of Buttermilk Falls State Park itself are best explored on foot, the surrounding Finger Lakes region offers fantastic touring cycling. Expect a mix of quiet rural roads, rolling farmland, and some genuinely challenging hills with gradients up to 15%. It's a landscape that rewards effort with scenic vistas, connecting you to the park and the broader Ithaca area.
If you only do one ride, make it the Ithaca Commons – Cascadilla Gorge Trailhead loop from Ithaca. At 12.0 miles (19.4 km), it offers a great taste of both urban and natural scenery. For a slightly shorter, scenic journey through natural surroundings, the South Hill Recreation Way, at 6.9 miles (11.1 km), is a local favorite for a steady ride. With over 200 touring cyclists having explored the area with komoot, you're in good company.
Last updated: May 31, 2026
4
riders
14.9km
01:03
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
11.1km
01:01
160m
160m
The South Hill Recreation Way offers a pleasant touring cycling experience, likely winding through green spaces and providing a refreshing escape. As a recreation path, you can expect a well-maintained surface, making for a smooth ride. It's a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors without tackling overly technical terrain.
Planning your visit to the South Hill Recreation Way is generally straightforward, but it's always a good idea to confirm parking options near the start point. This moderate route, covering 6.9 miles (11.1 km) with 518 feet (158 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 1 minute to complete. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours, and checking local conditions before you go is always recommended.
This trail is a popular cycling route in the Ithaca, NY area, providing a convenient option for local residents and visitors alike. Its moderate difficulty makes it accessible to a wide range of cyclists, from beginners looking for a gentle challenge to more experienced riders seeking a relaxed outing. It's a solid choice for family-friendly cycling or a quick solo spin.
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4
riders
12.8km
01:05
250m
250m
The Ithaca Commons – East Ithaca Nature Preserve loop offers a moderate touring cycling experience, connecting the lively downtown area with a peaceful natural space. This 8.0-mile (12.8 km) route includes 817 feet (249 metres) of elevation gain, making it a good workout that can be completed in about 1 hour and 4 minutes. It's a solid choice for cyclists looking for a balanced ride that transitions from an urban setting to a more serene environment.
To plan your visit, consider starting your ride from the Ithaca Commons, where you'll find various facilities. Parking is available in the vicinity of the Commons, and public transport options can also get you to the starting point. This route is generally accessible, but checking local weather and road conditions, especially during different seasons in Ithaca, New York, is always a good idea.
This cycling route stands out for its ability to link two distinct parts of Ithaca: the bustling city center and the quiet East Ithaca Nature Preserve. It provides a convenient way to explore both the urban landscape and a natural area within a relatively short distance. While specific trail features are not detailed, the route offers a glimpse into the diverse environments that make up the Ithaca area.
5
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60.5km
03:51
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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(16)
75
riders
35.2km
02:16
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Buttermilk Falls State Park
Tips from the Community
The Commons is a couple streets only open to foot traffic with sculptures, restaurants, a playground, historic district, and more. It has everything you could want from a downtown. There don't seem to be any places to lock your bike but you can walk it through the commons.
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The falls form a multi-tiered cascade of water over 55 feet high that runs under your feet as you stand on Beebe Dam Bridge. The dam is just before the river and plugs Fall Creek to create a lake at the center of Cornell University.
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The South Hill Recreation Way is a great rail trail that follows an edge of the Six Mile Creek gorge. The trail is made of gravel and is mostly flat, so it is not too challenging.
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Wooden structure with slides and different areas to climb. There is also a picnic table, so it is a good place to stop for a break as you walk along the South Hill Recreation Way.
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The South Hill Recreation Way is a great rail trail that follows an edge of the Six Mile Creek gorge. The trail is made of gravel and is mostly flat, so it is not too challenging.
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If you need any beautiful technical gear or high quality nutrition, this is a wonderful running store to check out.
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This bakery is clearly a favourite in town. From coffee to baked goods to breakfast sandwiches, everything was delicious, and the place was packed.
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This is the start of a fun, 8.5-mile multi-use path of crushed stone dust running through forests and agricultural lands, and near ravines. It runs along what used to be a rail line for the Lehigh Valley Railroad; their luxury passenger service was known as the Black Diamond Express.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Buttermilk Falls State Park?
Buttermilk Falls State Park offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 30 distinct options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and challenging rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Buttermilk Falls State Park?
The park's touring cycling routes traverse diverse landscapes, from dramatic gorges and cascading waterfalls to varied woodlands and wetland areas like Larch Meadows. You'll find a mix of paved surfaces and unpaved segments, with some routes featuring significant elevation gain, offering different perspectives of the area's geology and ecosystems.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Buttermilk Falls State Park?
Yes, Buttermilk Falls State Park has several touring cycling routes suitable for beginners and families. There are 8 easy routes available, often on mostly paved surfaces, making them accessible for all skill levels. The park's amenities, including picnic areas and playgrounds, also make it a great destination for family outings.
Can I see waterfalls or gorges while touring cycling in the park?
While the most direct access to the famous Buttermilk Falls and gorges is often via hiking trails like the Gorge Trail, many touring cycling routes offer scenic views of the park's natural grandeur from a distance or pass through areas with similar geological features. The park is renowned for its ten waterfalls along Buttermilk Creek, and cycling routes often provide glimpses of the dramatic landscape shaped by these cascades.
What are some popular moderate touring cycling routes in the area?
For those seeking a moderate challenge, popular routes include the Ithaca Commons – Cascadilla Gorge Trailhead loop from Ithaca, which combines urban and natural scenery. Another favorite is the South Hill Recreation Way, offering a scenic journey through natural surroundings. The East Ithaca Nature Preserve loop from Ithaca also provides a pleasant ride through diverse natural preserves.
Are dogs allowed on the touring cycling trails in Buttermilk Falls State Park?
Yes, the trails in Buttermilk Falls State Park are generally dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. This allows you to enjoy a touring cycling trip with your canine companion while exploring the park's natural beauty.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about touring cycling in Buttermilk Falls State Park?
The touring cycling routes in Buttermilk Falls State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the opportunity to see stunning natural features like waterfalls and gorges, and the variety of routes available for different fitness levels.
Is there public transport available to Buttermilk Falls State Park that accommodates bicycles?
Yes, public transportation options are available. The TCAT bus system in Ithaca serves Buttermilk Falls State Park, and many TCAT buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to easily transport your bicycle to and from the park.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for more experienced riders?
For more experienced riders looking for longer distances, routes like the Ithaca Falls – Black Diamond Trailhead loop from Ithaca offer a substantial ride of over 60 kilometers with notable elevation gain. Another option is the North Trailhead – Black Diamond Trailhead loop from Ithaca, which covers over 35 kilometers.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Buttermilk Falls State Park?
Buttermilk Falls State Park is beautiful year-round, but for touring cycling, spring, summer, and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions. Spring brings lush greenery and full waterfalls, summer allows for swimming in the natural pool, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. Always check local weather conditions before your ride.
Are there any loop trails for touring cycling in the park?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in and around Buttermilk Falls State Park are designed as loops, providing a convenient way to explore without retracing your path. Examples include the Ithaca Commons – Cascadilla Gorge Trailhead loop from Ithaca and the East Ithaca Nature Preserve loop from Ithaca, allowing you to experience different scenery throughout your ride.
Can I connect to other state parks or trails from Buttermilk Falls State Park by bike?
There are plans to connect Buttermilk Falls State Park with other major gorge state parks, such as Robert H. Treman State Park, via multi-use trails like the Black Diamond Trail. Currently, reaching the park by bike from Ithaca is possible via city streets and designated bike routes like Spencer Rd, offering connectivity to the wider area.
Most popular routes in Buttermilk Falls State Park
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