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Hiking in the Buttermilk Falls: trails, map and practical info

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley • Ontario

4.6 Appreciated by 29 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 17/05/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
20 ft
Duration
1h15
Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Buttermilk Falls? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Buttermilk Falls, ON K0M 1J1, Canada
GPS coordinates
41.1367809, -74.8890584
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Buttermilk Falls trails are located in the town of Clifton Springs, which is about an hour and a half drive from Toronto. From Toronto, take the QEW to exit 41 for Geneva. Head north on Highway 14 for about 15 minutes, then turn left onto County Road 24. The trailhead is located at the end of the road.

The Buttermilk Falls trails are located in the Haliburton Highlands, about 2 hours north of Toronto. From Toronto, take Highway 400 north to Highway 11. Follow Highway 11 north to Highway 35. Follow Highway 35 north to the village of Wilberforce. Turn left onto Buttermilk Falls Road and follow the signs to the falls.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
41.1367809, -74.8890584
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.6
8 Reviews
R
Robert
Dec 8, 2025
Decent waterfall for a quick stop while exploring the Haliburton area. The trail is short and easy, taking about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace. The falls create impressive white foam as they tumble down, which explains the name. However, be prepared for both parking and entrance fees that aren't well advertised. The site has historical significance from the logging era, but the overall experience feels brief for the cost.
S
Sarah
Nov 22, 2025
Nice waterfall but came with some surprises. The drive from Toronto took about 2 hours as expected, but we weren't prepared for the entrance and parking fees. The trail is quite short at 1.5km with minimal elevation, making it accessible for a quick nature break. The falls are pretty but not as spectacular as some others in the Haliburton region. Best to visit during spring melt when water flow is at its peak.
D
David
Sep 3, 2025
Beautiful historic site tucked away in the Haliburton Highlands! The short walk from the parking area makes it accessible for most visitors, though the modest elevation change can feel steep in places. The falls are particularly impressive with their dramatic white foam cascading down the concrete chute. Great spot for photography and learning about the area's logging history. Just remember to budget for the entrance fees.
M
Michael
Aug 15, 2025
Wonderful short hike to see the historic waterfall! The trail from the parking area is well-maintained and perfect for families. The falls themselves are impressive with their churning white water that gives the place its name. Be aware that both parking and entrance require fees, which wasn't clearly posted online. The 20-meter elevation gain is manageable for most visitors, though some sections can be a bit steep.
J
Jennifer
Jul 10, 2025
Absolutely stunning natural attraction! The 1.5km trail is perfect for families and the waterfall is breathtaking, especially after recent rains. The historic significance adds to the experience - you can still see remnants of the old logging infrastructure. The modest elevation gain makes it suitable for most fitness levels. Just note that dogs aren't allowed on the trails, so plan accordingly. Worth every penny of the entrance fee!

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
20.00
1h15
No
No
The Buttermilk Falls trail is rated as Easy difficulty. With only 20 m of elevation gain over 1.5 km, it's suitable for hikers of most fitness levels.
The Buttermilk Falls trail is 1.5 km long and takes approximately 1h15 to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the falls.
Yes, the Buttermilk Falls trail is suitable for beginners as it's rated Easy difficulty with minimal elevation gain of 20 m. The 1.5 km distance makes it a manageable hike for those new to hiking.
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Update : June 2026