Have you ever wondered, “Are there any waterfalls near me in New Jersey?” New Jersey may not be known for its waterfalls, but the Garden State does have some stunners! Paterson’s Great Falls, Boonton Falls, and Ramapo Falls are a few of my favorites, but they’re pretty well spaced out. There are two more waterfalls I adore, though, that you can enjoy over the course of one manageable hike.

Towering at 200 feet, Buttermilk Falls is New Jersey's tallest waterfall.
Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
Image/NJHiking.com
You don't need to hike to see it, as there's a small wheelchair-accessible lot adjacent to the falls. You'll also find a viewing platform which allows you to get close to the cascades. Always beautiful but best after a rainfall, these falls can be little more than a trickle after days of dryness.

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Climbing the platform allows you to enjoy the falls from above.
Image/NJHiking.com
If you live in the area, a quick visit here after a rainy day should be enough to replenish your "New Jersey natural beauty meter." Still, it's more fun if you hike a bit and add a second waterfall to the trip. Silver Spray Falls is a hidden gem, often less crowded than the easily accessible Buttermilk Falls.
Silver Spray Falls is also known as Hidden Falls.
Silver Spray Falls, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
Image/NJHiking.com
It's about 0.75 miles from Buttermilk Falls, but part of the fun is finding it for yourself. Still, I won't leave you empty handed. Walk north along Mountain Road for about half a mile. The trailhead will be here, but it's unmarked. From the trailhead, it's another quarter mile to Silver Spray Falls. According to NJHiking, cross the stream or you'll miss it.

Head back toward Buttermilk after Silver Spray for a manageable hike that comes in at around 1.5 miles. To get to Buttermilk Falls (your starting point for this hike), head to Mountain Road in Layton. For more details on this hike, visit NJHiking.com. Also, be sure to check out New Jersey’s most powerful waterfall.

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Waterfalls Near Me

Meghan Byers | March 25, 2022

Where can I find the best waterfall hikes in New Jersey?

There are quite a few hiking trails with waterfalls in New Jersey! Hikers who enjoy a good challenge should try taking the rocky but rewarding trek to Chikahoki Falls in Norvin Green State Forest. You’ll also find Wyanokie High Point on the route, which offers some lovely panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the New York City skyline. In Hacklebarney State Park, you’ll find numerous small but beautiful cascades along the Black River. Take the Hacklebarney Loop Trail to enjoy some of the best scenery in the park. Discover charming fairy houses and a small waterfall along the moderately challenging Hemlock Falls Trail in South Mountain Reservation, or try the manageable Vista Loop Trail in Ramapo Valley County Reservation to visit multiple overlooks and the picturesque Ramapo Valley Falls. There are also a few easily accessible waterfalls in New Jersey with no hiking required at all.

What are the best state parks to visit in New Jersey?

Looking to enjoy more of New Jersey’s great outdoors? New Jersey may be a smaller state, but it’s full of beautiful scenery to explore, with 39 state parks, 11 forests, and 42 natural areas. Liberty State Park is of course New Jersey’s most famous and well-attended state park, with over 1,200 acres and unparalleled views of New York City, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island. Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, meanwhile, has over 3,000 acres of pristine coastal dunes, and significantly diverse wildlife and plant life. Stokes State Forest, located in Branchville, has thickly forested mountains, beautiful clear streams, waterfalls, and incredible views from the top of Sunrise Mountain. Kittatinny Valley State Park in Andover Township features glacial lakes – including the deepest natural lake in New Jersey – rail trails, and even a small airport where you can watch planes take off and land. Many are surprised to learn that New Jersey is home to so many beautiful state parks.

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