Hidden in the wilderness of the “Garden State” are some of the most beautiful natural water wonders on the east coast. In fact, there are over 67 waterfalls in New Jersey just waiting for you to discover and explore. Some of them are swimmable, while others are just to view. Either way, all are worth the visit.
Table of Contents
Must See Waterfalls in New Jersey
Buttermilk Falls
This is one of New Jersey’s best waterfalls, and they’re only five miles away from each other. Buttermilk Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in New Jersey. It requires minimal hiking (only 1.4 miles) but includes a steep climb up to the top. You can get a spectacular view of the falls and the valley from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Try the Buttermilk Falls and Crater Lake Loop Trail or Hemolock Pond loop to extend your hike.
- Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Length: 2.8 miles (roundtrip)
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.6 (Google) | 4.6 (All Trails)
Silver Spray Falls
Silver Spray Falls, also known as the “Hidden Falls,” can be accessed from the same parking lot as Buttermilk Falls on an unmarked trail that crosses a stream. You have to hike the Hidden Falls Trail to get there, and it can be a little difficult to find, about a half mile down Mountain Road. The surrounding rhododendron sets these falls apart, creating a magical early spring or summer scene. Prepare for the mist that sprays from the top of the falls (hence the name).
- Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 1 mile (roundtrip)
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.3 (Google)
Great Falls of Paterson
The Great Falls of Paterson cascade from 77 feet high and rush more than 2 billion gallons of water into the Passaic River every day. Based on its volume, it’s the second largest waterfall behind Niagara Falls, running east of the Mississippi River. A paved walking trail winds around the falls and the surrounding parkland is perfect for groups to picnic and enjoy the sounds of nature. (Note: The pedestrian bridge across the falls is closed). Paterson can be a great option for a day trip from NYC, offering a rich history dating back to the American Revolution and serving as the first industrial city in the country.
- Location: Paterson, NJ; Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 0.5 miles
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.5 (Google) | 3.7 (All Trails)
Dunnfield Creek+ Laurel Falls
The falls at Dunnfield Creek and Laurel Falls are both located in the beautiful Worthington State Forest. Dunnfield Creek flows into a designated Wild Trout Stream full of native brook trout that are fun to watch. Beautiful mixed hardwood and hemlock trees surround the ravine, and you can spot several small waterfalls along the trail. At the end of the trail is Sunfish Pond, a gorgeous natural glacial lake. (TIP: Don’t use Google Maps to help you get to this location, as they may have incorrect GPS coordinates for Dunfield Creek.)
Laurel Falls can be accessed using the Douglas Trail, just a 5-minute hike from the state forest parking lot. The falls are at the beginning of the trail, which can then be extended to make a loop around Sunfish Pond.
Dunnfield Creek
- Location: Dunnfield Creek Natural Area, Worthington State Forest
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 3.5 miles, one-way
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.5 (Google) | 3.7 (All Trails)
Ramapo Valley Falls
Ramapo Valley Falls can be found off the Ramapo Ramble Trail in the Ramapo Valley County Reservation. There’s a ton of wildlife to see here–over 79 reptiles and 90 mammal species! The reservation is a popular hiking area and full of natural wonders to see spread across 4,000 acres, including Scarlet Oak Pond, Ramapo River, and MacMillan Reservoir. Rampao Moutain State Forest and Ringwood State Park surround the reservation if you want to extend your visit. Autumn is the best time to visit this area, with stunning landscapes when the leaves change.
- Location: Mahwah, Ramapo Valley County Reservation
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.1 miles, loop
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.7 (Google) | 4.5 (All Trails)
High Bridge Falls/Lake Solitude Dam
The High Bridge Falls flow from the Lake Solitude Dam and are mesmerizing to watch. This is a great spot to visit in between exploring nearby shops in High Bridge. It’s best to view the falls in the winter and early spring when there are fewer tourists. You’re welcome to wade in the water at the base of falls in the summer, but it’s become quite a crowded spot in recent years. Many locals complain of littering and overcrowding in this area in the summer, so please respect the natural land and throw away all trash.
- Location: High Bridge, NJ
- Difficulty: Easy
- Swimming: Allowed during summer
- Rating: 4.6 (Google)
Bridal Veil Falls
Right on the grounds of William Paterson College, Bridal Veil Falls are small but peaceful, flowing right through an old sandstone quarry. The trail to the falls goes behind this natural wonder, with a cave you can hide in as you enjoy the scenery. Rainfall will greatly affect the flow, so make sure you visit after heavy rains or in early spring when the snow has recently melted. You can reach the falls through the trail access west of the University entrance on Overlook Avenue.
- Location: North Haledon
- Difficulty: Easy
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.0 (Google)
Tillman Ravine
Tillman Ravine is only about 3.5 miles away from Buttermilk Falls and can be another great addition to your waterfall itinerary if you’re in that area. Set in Stokes State Forest, you can access the falls on the Tillman Ravine Trail. The hike is easy, with just a short incline and some rocky parts that can get slippery when the trail is wet. Birdwatching is a popular activity here, home to the majestic barred owls and other endangered species–bring your binoculars! Access to the trail is restricted from December 15 to April 15 due to weather conditions.
- Location: Sandyston Township, Stokes State Forest
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.6, out-and-back
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.7 (Google) | 4.6 (All Trails)
Van Campens Glen
The Van Campens Glen Trail to the falls is perfect for summer hikes. It stays cool and shaded the entire way. You’ll put little effort into getting big rewards as far as gorgeous scenery year-round. The banks along the water are rocky and slippery, especially when there is ice in the winter months. Van Campens Glen is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature, but picnicking is prohibited along the trail.
- Location: Hardwick Township, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Difficulty: Moderately Easy
- Length: 2.1 miles, out-and-back
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.7 (Google) | 4.6 (All Trails)
Chikahoki Falls + Otter Hole★
Chikahoki Falls and Otter Hole are some of the favorite spots located in Norvin Green State Forest. Otter Hole can be accessed on the Hewitt-Butler Loop. The falls are small but peaceful, where you can rock hop while watching water cascade over mossy boulders.
Chikahoki Falls has beautiful views, requiring a bit of a steep climb on the Carris Hill Trail. Most of the waterfalls are actually located off the trails. Make sure to keep an eye out and tread lightly to avoid damaging the local vegetation.
Chikahoki Falls
- Location: Bloomingdale, Norvin Green State Forest
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 4.1 miles, loop
- Swimming: Allowed
- Rating: 4.6 (All Trails)
Otter Hole
- Location: Bloomingdale, Norvin Green State Forest
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 6.2 miles, loop
- Swimming: Allowed
- Rating: 4.6 (All Trails)
Schooleys Mountain Falls ★
This is one of my favorite waterfalls in New Jersey. Schooley’s Mountain Falls can be found in a beautiful gorge that has breathtaking views over the valley. The trail is short and rock, requiring a scramble to get around the falls. You’ll find small cascades at the beginning of the path running from the Electric Brook. Once you see the first waterfall, you can scramble down to see the second, but be careful of slippery conditions. Hiking boots and hiking sticks are recommended.
- Location: Long Valley, Schooleys Mountain Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 2.4 miles, loop
- Swimming: Allowed
- Rating: 4.7 (Google) | 4. (All Trails)
Peanut Leap Cascade ★
This is a really cool waterfall hike that involves a hilly hike and some rocky scrambles, with ruins to explore and a rope swing! Peanut Leap Cascade is located on the Giant Stairs loop you can complete if you want a longer hike. The stone steps down to the falls are very steep; tread lightly. When the falls are full, they are so peaceful and provide a perfect relaxing backdrop. Try to visit after rainfall, or the flow could be nothing more than a trickle.
- Location: Pallisades, NJ
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 2.8 miles, round trip
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.7 (Google) | 4.7 (All Trails)
Hemlock Falls ★
Be ready for an adventure to get to Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation. The trail is mildly rocky, with a few muddy sections to prepare for if there’s been recent rainfall. You’ll have to cross a few easy streams and the Rahway River. You can climb the stairs to the top of the falls, and there are benches to sit on and enjoy the view. Also, look out for fun fairy houses on the Rahway Trail at the end of the hike.
- Location: South Mountain Reservation
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 5.8 miles, loop
- Swimming: Allowed
- Rating: 4.6 (Google) | 4.7 (All Trails)
Hacklebarney Falls ★
At the center of Hacklebarney State Park is the Black River, which fuels the Hacklebarney Falls in the park. The hike on the Hacklebarney Loop Trail is quick and perfect for beginners. Hacklebarney is well-hiked and popular for experiencing beautiful nature without putting in much effort. In the fall, you can visit the Hacklebarney Cider Mill nearby to get cider and donuts.
- Location: Long Valley, Hacklebarney State Park
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 2.1 miles, loop
- Swimming: NOT allowed
- Rating: 4.7 (Google) | 4.5 (All Trails)
Greenbrook Nature Sanctuary ★
Lunchbox Larry
Located in Greenbrook Nature Sanctuary, the Greenbrook Falls cascade from 250 feet into the Hudson River. The mossy rocks and greenery are my favorite part, plucked right out of a storybook. This is by far one of the most beautiful places in the state to view fall foliage. Membership is required to enter the Sanctuary; $35 for an individual.
- Location: Tenafly, Greenbrook Nature Sanctuary
- Difficulty: Easy
- Rating: 4.5 (Google)
Lockatong Waterfall ★
Lockatong Waterfall is one of the few waterfalls in New Jersey to swim. The swimming hole here is pretty secluded and perfect for cooling off in the summer. Some people go cliff jumping here, although nothing too extreme. You can access the falls from the Lockatong Wescott Preserve Trail in the Zega-Lockatong Preserve. Some of the trail is overgrown and hard to manage past the swimming holes, so you don’t have to hike it to experience the falls and water.
- Location: Stockton, Zega-Lockatong Preserve
- Length: 3.8 miles, out-and-back
- Swimming: Allowed
- Rating: 3.4 (Google) | 4.2 (All Trails)
Other waterfalls to consider
- Boonton Falls: These falls flow from a dam in Grace Lord Park; they are best viewed in early spring when the water flow is strong.
- Apshawa Preserve Falls: Another dam fall set along the Apshawa Brook by the water tank ruins, right by the Butler Reservoir.
- Tinton Falls: This waterfall can be viewed just off Tinton Avenue on a wooden overlook; water was once used to power the city!
- Kugler Falls: A three-season waterfall accessed by a rough, narrow trail along the Delaware River.
- Tumble Falls: Located on a series of small creeks that on the Deleware river that can be viewed from Frenchtown and Stockton.
- Passaic River Waterfall: Located in Little Falls (home to the Beattie Carpet Mill), which runs into the Passaic River.
NJ Waterfalls Map
(Added Google Map)
Our Related Blog Posts
- Best Waterfalls in the USA
- Best Waterfalls in New York State
- Best Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes
- Easy & Fun Day Trips from NYC