New Jersey is pretty tiny, so we often leave the state for road trips. While that’s all well and good, there are some pretty epic drives you can take without ever leaving our borders. We have well over a dozen different waterfalls to enjoy, each one unique. Though it would be fantastic to see them all, we wanted this trip to be doable in one day. This waterfall road trip through New Jersey features eight spectacular waterfalls that are some of the very best in the state. The trip itself takes 4.5 hours of drive time, for directions, view this map.
So gas up the car and pack some snacks and get ready to enjoy this waterfall road trip through New Jersey.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
Image/Google
- Dunnfield Creek Falls
Flickr/Jim Lukach Your first stop is near Dunnfield Creek in Worthington State Forest, part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. While you could easily spend a full day exploring this scenic area of New Jersey, you’ll only have to hike about 3/4 of a mile to get to these falls from the nearest parking area. While you’re here, you may want to hop on the Appalachian Trail, just to say you did. For directions, click here. Please follow these directions, as opposed to using Google Maps for this location - a reader informed me that Google Maps may have incorrect GPS coordinates for Dunnfield Creek.
- Buttermilk Falls
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli About twenty miles north, in Stokes State Forest (also part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area), you’ll find Buttermilk Falls. The falls are easily accessible from the parking lot and have a developed viewing area. There is also an interpretive display and wooden stairway to the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to find Silver Spray Falls, also known as Hidden Falls. They’re located about half a mile from Buttermilk Falls, on an unmarked trail.
For more information, check out our previous article here.
- Boonton Falls
Flickr/dj_anjaria These falls are located in Grace Lord Park. You’ll find these natural falls below the man-made dam. These falls once powered the New Jersey Iron Company. The falls aren’t far from Main Street, so if you’re looking for lunch or a snack, you have several options. Top of the Park, Sharky’s West, Maxfield’s on Main and Chili Willies are all within walking distance.
- Ramapo Falls
Flickr/Bruce Faling A moderate 4 mile hike at Ramapo Valley County Reservation will take you past a lovely lake, the Ramapo River, unique ruins, a scenic overlook and, of course, the falls. If you haven’t already gotten food, this is a great picnic spot.
- Great Falls
Paterson Great Falls/Flickr The largest, most powerful falls in New Jersey could not be left off this list. While Paterson scares some people away, the falls are located in a national park, separate from the city. There is plenty to explore here and you can get up close to the falls via a footbridge. To learn more about the Great Falls, click here.
- Hemlock Falls
Flickr/TheTurducken You’ll find these falls at the South Mountain Reservation, located in South Orange. This park provides spectacular views of New York City and is adjacent to the fun-filled Turtle Back Zoo. Hemlock Falls are easy to find, and just under a mile from the Tulip Springs parking area. For a map, click here.
For more information, check out our previous article here.
- High Bridge Falls/Lake Solitude Dam
Flickr/William Doyle Though these falls are not natural, they are a reader favorite. You’ve mentioned them many times in the comments! Built in 1909, this is the earliest example of a buttress dam. It is nationally recognized for its historical significance in the field of engineering.
- Hacklebarney Falls
Flickr/Jim Lukach Hacklebarney State Park is known for having numerous small falls along the Trout and Rhinehart Brooks. Scenic and serene, this park is worth a walk-through. If you’d rather not hike much, you can find at least one waterfall within a mile from the parking area. It is marked on this map.
Have you been to any of these falls before? Do you know how to get to the elusive Silver Spray (Hidden) Falls? Share your insights in the comments, and let me know if you would take this trip!
Image/Google
Flickr/Jim Lukach
Your first stop is near Dunnfield Creek in Worthington State Forest, part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. While you could easily spend a full day exploring this scenic area of New Jersey, you’ll only have to hike about 3/4 of a mile to get to these falls from the nearest parking area. While you’re here, you may want to hop on the Appalachian Trail, just to say you did. For directions, click here. Please follow these directions, as opposed to using Google Maps for this location - a reader informed me that Google Maps may have incorrect GPS coordinates for Dunnfield Creek.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
About twenty miles north, in Stokes State Forest (also part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area), you’ll find Buttermilk Falls. The falls are easily accessible from the parking lot and have a developed viewing area. There is also an interpretive display and wooden stairway to the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to find Silver Spray Falls, also known as Hidden Falls. They’re located about half a mile from Buttermilk Falls, on an unmarked trail.
For more information, check out our previous article here.
Flickr/dj_anjaria
These falls are located in Grace Lord Park. You’ll find these natural falls below the man-made dam. These falls once powered the New Jersey Iron Company. The falls aren’t far from Main Street, so if you’re looking for lunch or a snack, you have several options. Top of the Park, Sharky’s West, Maxfield’s on Main and Chili Willies are all within walking distance.
Flickr/Bruce Faling
A moderate 4 mile hike at Ramapo Valley County Reservation will take you past a lovely lake, the Ramapo River, unique ruins, a scenic overlook and, of course, the falls. If you haven’t already gotten food, this is a great picnic spot.
Paterson Great Falls/Flickr
The largest, most powerful falls in New Jersey could not be left off this list. While Paterson scares some people away, the falls are located in a national park, separate from the city. There is plenty to explore here and you can get up close to the falls via a footbridge. To learn more about the Great Falls, click here.
Flickr/TheTurducken
You’ll find these falls at the South Mountain Reservation, located in South Orange. This park provides spectacular views of New York City and is adjacent to the fun-filled Turtle Back Zoo. Hemlock Falls are easy to find, and just under a mile from the Tulip Springs parking area. For a map, click here.
For more information, check out our previous article here.
Flickr/William Doyle
Though these falls are not natural, they are a reader favorite. You’ve mentioned them many times in the comments! Built in 1909, this is the earliest example of a buttress dam. It is nationally recognized for its historical significance in the field of engineering.
Hacklebarney State Park is known for having numerous small falls along the Trout and Rhinehart Brooks. Scenic and serene, this park is worth a walk-through. If you’d rather not hike much, you can find at least one waterfall within a mile from the parking area. It is marked on this map.
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Address: 40°58'18. 75°07'33., 9 N 3rd St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, USAAddress: Buttermilk Falls, Ligonier Township, PA 15658, USAAddress: Grace Lord Park, Boonton, NJ 07005, USAAddress: Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Wanaque, NJ 07465, USAAddress: Great Falls, Paterson, NJ, USAAddress: South Mountain Reservoir, Allentown, PA 18103, USAAddress: Lake Solitude Dam, High Bridge, NJ 08829, USAAddress: Hacklebarney State Park, 119 Hacklebarney Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfall Road Trip Through New Jersey February 14, 2021 Jackie Ann What are the best waterfall hikes in New Jersey? When taking in The Garden State’s natural beauty, it’s difficult to compete with the experience of a waterfall trail. Happily, New Jersey’s nature lovers have no shortage of stunning hikes from which to choose. Our recommendations? Head out to Sussex County to marvel at the highest waterfall in the state, Buttermilk Falls. Climb the trail stairs to gain various views of these majestic falls. Along Apshawa Brook, discover the grand cascades of Apshawa Preserve Falls in Passaic County. This scenic hike offers adventurers Jersey Highlands and Butler reservoir views. Passaic County is also home to Chikahoki Falls in the Norvin Green State Forest. This trail affords hikers 360° views of the surrounding landscape from its Wyanokie High Point. What are the best outdoor adventures in New Jersey? Boasting 36 beautiful state parks, 11 pristine state forests, and almost 1,000 lakes and ponds, New Jersey’s outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled with a multitude of thrilling activities. Take the family to spend a day playing in the treetops at Tree to Tree in Cape May. Zip line courses range in difficulty and guide visitors through lush, exciting paths over wobbly bridges and tightropes. Or go on an unforgettable night time horseback ride at Echo Lake Stables in Newfoundland, where the trails follow ancient Native American paths through the surrounding mountainsides and streams. (You don’t have to be an experienced equestrian, they offer riding lessons for newbies, too!) Mountain Creek Resort in Northwestern New Jersey’s Kittatinny Mountains is another thrill-seekers paradise. Home to one of the country’s highest-rated mountain bike parks, their 50 miles of trails offer something for everyone, from kids, to beginners, all the way up to Armstrong-level advanced. What are the best family-friendly hikes in New Jersey? New Jersey is home to some of the best nature trails in the country, and they’re suited for hikers of all experience levels. Spend an unforgettable day with the family on Cattus Island on the Toms River. Boardwalks and easy trails guide visitors through 530 acres of beautiful shore scenery with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. In Somerset, kids and parents alike will love the attractions at Colonial Park. With fun-filled playgrounds, idyllic picnic areas, paddle boats, mini-golf courses, and easy trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In Essex County, South Mountain Reservation a hiking family’s paradise. Little ones will be in awe of the delightful “fairy trail” and paved walking loop around the attraction’s zoo!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfall Road Trip Through New Jersey
February 14, 2021
Jackie Ann
What are the best waterfall hikes in New Jersey? When taking in The Garden State’s natural beauty, it’s difficult to compete with the experience of a waterfall trail. Happily, New Jersey’s nature lovers have no shortage of stunning hikes from which to choose. Our recommendations? Head out to Sussex County to marvel at the highest waterfall in the state, Buttermilk Falls. Climb the trail stairs to gain various views of these majestic falls. Along Apshawa Brook, discover the grand cascades of Apshawa Preserve Falls in Passaic County. This scenic hike offers adventurers Jersey Highlands and Butler reservoir views. Passaic County is also home to Chikahoki Falls in the Norvin Green State Forest. This trail affords hikers 360° views of the surrounding landscape from its Wyanokie High Point. What are the best outdoor adventures in New Jersey? Boasting 36 beautiful state parks, 11 pristine state forests, and almost 1,000 lakes and ponds, New Jersey’s outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled with a multitude of thrilling activities. Take the family to spend a day playing in the treetops at Tree to Tree in Cape May. Zip line courses range in difficulty and guide visitors through lush, exciting paths over wobbly bridges and tightropes. Or go on an unforgettable night time horseback ride at Echo Lake Stables in Newfoundland, where the trails follow ancient Native American paths through the surrounding mountainsides and streams. (You don’t have to be an experienced equestrian, they offer riding lessons for newbies, too!) Mountain Creek Resort in Northwestern New Jersey’s Kittatinny Mountains is another thrill-seekers paradise. Home to one of the country’s highest-rated mountain bike parks, their 50 miles of trails offer something for everyone, from kids, to beginners, all the way up to Armstrong-level advanced. What are the best family-friendly hikes in New Jersey? New Jersey is home to some of the best nature trails in the country, and they’re suited for hikers of all experience levels. Spend an unforgettable day with the family on Cattus Island on the Toms River. Boardwalks and easy trails guide visitors through 530 acres of beautiful shore scenery with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. In Somerset, kids and parents alike will love the attractions at Colonial Park. With fun-filled playgrounds, idyllic picnic areas, paddle boats, mini-golf courses, and easy trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In Essex County, South Mountain Reservation a hiking family’s paradise. Little ones will be in awe of the delightful “fairy trail” and paved walking loop around the attraction’s zoo!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When taking in The Garden State’s natural beauty, it’s difficult to compete with the experience of a waterfall trail. Happily, New Jersey’s nature lovers have no shortage of stunning hikes from which to choose. Our recommendations? Head out to Sussex County to marvel at the highest waterfall in the state, Buttermilk Falls. Climb the trail stairs to gain various views of these majestic falls. Along Apshawa Brook, discover the grand cascades of Apshawa Preserve Falls in Passaic County. This scenic hike offers adventurers Jersey Highlands and Butler reservoir views. Passaic County is also home to Chikahoki Falls in the Norvin Green State Forest. This trail affords hikers 360° views of the surrounding landscape from its Wyanokie High Point.
What are the best outdoor adventures in New Jersey?
Boasting 36 beautiful state parks, 11 pristine state forests, and almost 1,000 lakes and ponds, New Jersey’s outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled with a multitude of thrilling activities. Take the family to spend a day playing in the treetops at Tree to Tree in Cape May. Zip line courses range in difficulty and guide visitors through lush, exciting paths over wobbly bridges and tightropes. Or go on an unforgettable night time horseback ride at Echo Lake Stables in Newfoundland, where the trails follow ancient Native American paths through the surrounding mountainsides and streams. (You don’t have to be an experienced equestrian, they offer riding lessons for newbies, too!) Mountain Creek Resort in Northwestern New Jersey’s Kittatinny Mountains is another thrill-seekers paradise. Home to one of the country’s highest-rated mountain bike parks, their 50 miles of trails offer something for everyone, from kids, to beginners, all the way up to Armstrong-level advanced.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in New Jersey?
New Jersey is home to some of the best nature trails in the country, and they’re suited for hikers of all experience levels. Spend an unforgettable day with the family on Cattus Island on the Toms River. Boardwalks and easy trails guide visitors through 530 acres of beautiful shore scenery with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. In Somerset, kids and parents alike will love the attractions at Colonial Park. With fun-filled playgrounds, idyllic picnic areas, paddle boats, mini-golf courses, and easy trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In Essex County, South Mountain Reservation a hiking family’s paradise. Little ones will be in awe of the delightful “fairy trail” and paved walking loop around the attraction’s zoo!
