Situated at the western base of the Shawangunk Mountains is a prospect known as Buttermilk Falls Mine. Worked in 1853, the mine was opened by a tunnel driven southwest into the mountain. The location of its entrance was decidedly at the foot of a waterfall, hence its name. During its operation, the course of water was diverted away from the adit to allow a dry route for its narrow gauge railroad to enter.

Although the mine was located within close proximity to a major railroad, it was not a producer. It is likely that lead and possibly zinc were the chief metals as other lead-zinc mines exist in the general area. Very little waste rock remains on site and little else is known about the operation.