Waterfall · Jefferson County, New York

Butternut Falls

Waterfall about 2.5 miles east of Watertown, NY. Also known as Rutland Hollow Falls.

Photo of Talcott Falls, a waterfall 7.6 miles from Butternut Falls
Pictured: nearby Talcott Falls (7.6 mi)

About Butternut Falls

Butternut Falls is a named waterfall in Jefferson County, New York, located about 2.5 miles east of Watertown. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Rutland Center 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 43°57′48″ N, 75°51′48″ W (43.96338, -75.86322). Historical sources also record the name Rutland Hollow Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Rutland Hollow (valley, 0.1 mi) and Staplin Creek (stream, 1.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Burrville Cider Mill Falls, 2.3 miles to the south.

USGS gazetteer description: 35 ft. high; on private land in the Town of Watertown, along an unnamed stream at the head of Rutland Hollow

Name history: The name refers to the butternut trees (Juglans cinerea) that grow around the falls

Weather at Butternut Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Butternut Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Butternut Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Butternut Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Rutland Hollow — valley, 0.1 mi
  • Staplin Creek — stream, 1.9 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 43.96338, -75.86322. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Butternut Falls

Photo of Talcott Falls, a waterfall 6.9 miles from Great Falls
Pictured: nearby Talcott Falls (6.9 mi)

Great Falls

Watertown, NY · 2.4 mi northwest
Photo of Talcott Falls, a waterfall 4.8 miles from Beaver Falls
Pictured: nearby Talcott Falls (4.8 mi)

Beaver Falls

Watertown, NY · 4.7 mi west
Photo of Talcott Falls near Adams Center, NY

Talcott Falls

Adams Center, NY · 7.6 mi southwest
4.3 (52)
Photo of Talcott Falls, a waterfall 8.3 miles from Rainbow Falls
Pictured: nearby Talcott Falls (8.3 mi)

Rainbow Falls

Adams Center, NY · 9.2 mi south

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Butternut Falls located?

Butternut Falls is in Jefferson County, New York, about 2.5 miles east of Watertown. Its coordinates are 43.96338, -75.86322 (43°57′48″ N, 75°51′48″ W).

What town is closest to Butternut Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Watertown, NY, about 2.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Butternut Falls?

The closest is Burrville Cider Mill Falls (2.3 mi south). Others within reach include Great Falls (2.4 mi), Beaver Falls (4.7 mi), and Talcott Falls (7.6 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Butternut Falls?

Butternut Falls appears on the USGS Rutland Center 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.