Owl Creek Trail

Due to its namesake waterfall, Buttermilk Falls State Park can get pretty crowded on the Gorge and Rim Trails. This little-known trail provides quiet forest scenery and gorge hiking without all of the crowds. There are even some views!

Map of the Owl Creek Trail

Link to step-by-step RunGo directions, which can be used in real-time on the trail with the RunGo app. You can also navigate with the AllTrails map.

 The trailhead for this hike is the large parking area at the base of Buttermilk Falls, accessed from the Route 13/34/96 entrance. The GPS coordinates are 42.41758, -76.52052. There is a fee ($8) to use this parking area. Alternatively, you may park at the upper end of the trail, on Stone Quarry Road for free.

From the parking area (420’), head towards the hillside and follow signs for the Rim Trail. Turn left on the Rim Trail and follow it up the hill (the parking area will be on your left). After the initial climb, the trail parallels the access road. Just before the road turns away from the trail, leave the trail and start following the road (at 0.2 miles).

You will briefly follow the road. In a few hundred feet from the Rim Trail, there will be a sign for the Owl Creek Trail on the right. Turn right and follow the green trail marker discs. The trail runs next to the road at first, but then breaks away and crosses Owl Creek on a wooden bridge at 0.3 miles (520’).

After the bridge crossing, the trail ascends the wooded gorge on switchbacks. They can be a bit steep, but they aren’t very technical so getting up them shouldn’t be a problem. After completing the switchbacks, the trail starts to follow the rim of the Owl Creek gorge.

The trail continues to moderately ascend, keeping the creek on the right. At 0.5 miles, you will arrive at a scenic overlook (730’). Take time and enjoy the views of the gorge below.

After the overlook, the trail passes through a beautiful grove of red pines, staying mostly level. At 0.9 miles, the trail reaches its terminus at Stone Quarry Road (840’). Retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Total distance for this hike is 1.8 miles out-and-back, with an elevation gain of 465 feet.