Buttermilk Creek flows down the east
side of the Cayuga Valley, dropping more than 600 feet over 10
separate waterfalls and through two discrete glens. Most of this
drop is over rocks of the Ithaca Formation, which is of Late
Devonian age. A particularly striking feature along Buttermilk
Creek is Pinnacle Rock, a 40-foot pillar of shale left by erosion
of the stream around it (probably through cracks that caused
weakness on either side). Look for plunge pools and potholes. The
grade in the upper part of the park is much gentler, as Buttermilk
Creek winds from Lake Treman through the woods and by picnic areas
accessible from West King .
Road Owl Creek Gorge, which lies
between the campground and Buttermilk Falls, was formed during a
long period between two glacial advances. Behind the ball fields
in the lower park lies Larch Meadows, a wetland that has existed
since glaciers retreated from New York. It now provides a home to
many species of animals and plants. A nature trail encircles Larch
Meadows. Information on the trail can be found at the park office
and at the ball field comfort station.
Like nearby
Treman
State Park, the initial grant of land for the park came from
Robert and Laura Treman. Since 1924, the original 154 acres have
grown to the present size of 751 acres.
