Located in Danby, New York, Jennings Pond is a section of Buttermilk Falls State Park.  It serves as the headwater of Buttermilk Creek, which flows northwesterly for over five miles from Danby to Ithaca.  Along its journey, the creek winds through mostly pastoral countryside, delivering water to Lake Treman, and eventually Buttermilk Falls and Cayuga Lake.

This approximately 40 acre pond supports many familiar wetland plant species, as well as fish, waterfowl and invertebrates.

A small, semi-circular, earthen breakwater has been created to regulate the water level of the pond and to help prevent flooding.  Small amounts of pond water is allowed to flow through a culvert beneath the breakwater to form a reservoir, before it reaches Buttermilk Creek.  In effect, the reservoir forms a small lagoon that also serves as a swimming hole during summer.

A hiking trail has been created along the top of the breakwater.  The trail serves as a popular place for people to walk, enjoy the scenic qualities of the pond and surrounding hills, and to catch fish.

Those who desire a longer walk can access a hiking trail that passes through the adjacent woodland on the eastern side of the pond.  The entrance to the hiking trail can be found at the eastern end of the breakwater.

Text and images copyright  Arieh Tal, 2025.  All rights reserved.