Golden leaves, roaring waterfalls, and crisp autumn air make Buttermilk Falls State Park the ultimate place to enjoy the brilliant colors of Finger Lakes fall foliage. The park’s eight miles of trails come alive in autumn with a unique contrast of golden leaves and dramatic stone stairs. Upstate NY in the fall is also the perfect time to see parts of the gorge that are usually hidden by summer’s dense greenery.
The Finger Lakes region is an ideal destination for romantic escapes and girlfriends’ getaways in autumn. While fall remains a popular season, it’s quieter than summer, making it a more relaxing experience, especially in the state parks and along scenic hiking trails. Brilliant fall colors are reflected in the lakes, and the crisp air makes every hike more pleasant. It’s also the perfect time to explore the region’s wineries, where grape harvest season adds an extra layer of charm. With breathtaking foliage as your backdrop, wine tasting in the Finger Lakes becomes an unforgettable autumn experience.
When you visit Buttermilk Falls State Park, make your getaway even more memorable with a stay at our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca, The Inn at Gothic Eves. Located near some of the region’s top outdoor attractions and two of the best Wine Trails, our Inn offers luxurious surroundings, thoughtfully prepared breakfasts, and rejuvenating time in our on-site spa. Book your stay today!
Buttermilk Falls State Park & Taughannock Falls for Leaf Peeping
In the fall, Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY, offers a one-of-a-kind hiking experience with its ten stunning waterfalls. The park takes its name from the largest waterfall with two distinct drops in the gorge. Five scenic trails wind through colorful woodlands and along the gorge and rim. The paths reveal beautiful stone walls and staircases built into the landscape.
In addition to the beautiful waterfalls, Buttermilk Falls State Park features countless small flumes, cascades, and tumbles. Potholes of varying size remind us of the power water has had in shaping the region. The emerald-green pools add a striking contrast to the season’s warm hues, creating perfect photo opportunities. After the leaves fall, the park takes on a new kind of beauty, uncovering rock formations, hidden cascades, and views you can’t ordinarily see during the rest of the year.
After your visit to Buttermilk Falls State Park, consider visiting these places to see stunning Finger Lakes fall foliage:
- Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most famous Finger Lakes State Parks. Visitors are spellbound by the 19 waterfalls created as the glen’s stream descends. *Please note that the main tunnel entrance and Sentry Bridge at the beginning of the Gorge Trail are closed due to construction. Full access is anticipated in the summer of 2026.*
- Taughannock Falls carves a 400-foot gorge through layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone that were once the bed of an ancient sea. With a 215-foot plunge, this breathtaking cascade stands three stories taller than Niagara Falls. In autumn, the surrounding gorge blazes with brilliant Finger Lakes fall foliage, creating a stunning backdrop for one of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders.
- Enjoy the Finger Lakes’ fall foliage from the water. Take a Cayuga Lake Fall Foliage Eco-Cruise or ride the Canandaigua Lady paddlewheeler, which offers lunch, dinner, and Excursion Cruises.
- Go wine-tasting at one of the award-winning Seneca Lake wineries or Cayuga Lake wineries this fall. The Finger Lakes wine region continues to produce some of the most impressive wines in Upstate NY, including the world-renowned ice wines.
- Explore Ithaca. Recently named the #1 best town in America, visit Ithaca for its lively downtown filled with unique shops, farm-to-table dining, and a welcoming vibe that blends college-town energy and small-town charm. There are so many fun things to do in Ithaca, and our bed and breakfast nearby will be a welcome and quiet reprieve.
The Ultimate Retreat at our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca
After a day exploring Buttermilk Falls State Park and other Finger Lakes fall foliage destinations, come back to our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca for a relaxing evening. Whether you’ve spent the day hiking scenic trails or taking in lake views, you’ll love unwinding in the comfort and charm of our Inn. Sip a bottle of wine discovered during your travels in our inviting common areas, breathe in the crisp autumn air on the outdoor terrace, or share stories around the fire pit.
One of our most popular features is the on-site spa. Guests can enjoy massages, Reiki treatments, and our far-infrared sauna, making it the ideal way to rejuvenate after exploring trails lined with brilliant fall colors. The combination of nature, comfort, and wellness creates a memorable travel experience that keeps guests returning year after year to our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca, NY.
Our eight guest rooms are often thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind, featuring plush bedding, private baths, and unique décor that reflects the region’s charm. Many of our rooms offer romantic fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, and sitting areas. Staying at our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca and Buttermilk Falls State Park ensures your Finger Lakes fall getaway is both scenic and restful, with every detail taken care of. Find out more about the experience at our Inn on our social media channels: Facebook & Instagram. Reserve your room now!
