Buttermilk Falls is a 20-foot cascade on the Raquette River near the hamlet of Long Lake in Hamilton County, New York, where the river pours over a broad, block-shaped ledge inside the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest of the Adirondacks. A signed path of about 150 yards leads to it from North Point Road.
The falls
The whole width of the Raquette River tumbles over a rectangular ledge in a steep cascade. Lidar data puts the drop at about 20 feet; an earlier survey gives 25 feet. The flow is significant even in late summer.
Getting there
From the junction of Routes 28N and 30 at Long Lake, take North Point Road (County Route 3) for 2.1 miles. A sign marks a small unpaved parking area on the right. The 0.2-mile walk is rated easy. Fees and permits are not documented.
When to go
The town of Long Lake calls it one of its most popular destinations and warns of heavy visitor traffic. A local guide lists North Point Road, with Buttermilk Falls, among the drives for fall foliage.
On site
Reaching the base means some rocky scrambling, and the rocks turn slippery after rain; take extra care then.
History and name
A New York State Geological Association field guide places the falls at the third canoe carry on the Raquette River downstream from Forked Lake.
Nearby
Death Falls is about 9.1 miles away, Touey Falls about 10.8 miles, and Upper Falls, also on the Raquette River, about 17.4 miles.
Distances are straight-line.