Northern New Jersey is jam-packed with waterfall trails. While some of them are always crowded, like Buttermilk Falls, some others are quieter, particularly if you go on weekdays rather than busy weekends. Norvin Green State Forest is home to a few beautiful, small cascades that are sure to satisfy any nature lover in need of a waterfall hike. Check it out!
The hike out and back to Chikahoki Falls starts with an easy walk from the Otter Hole Parking Lot.
You'll begin to cross brooks and streams almost right away. Be prepared to get your feet wet!
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Less than a tenth of a mile from the car, your delightfully water-logged journey begins. Here, you'll find Otter Hole!
Otter Hole Falls is the first one you'll see on the trail, almost immediately after you get out of the car. It's beautiful and worth stopping for a photo, but don't linger for too long! The real cascade is still about a mile ahead.
Once you pass Otter Hole, it's all downhill from here -- literally. You'll descend almost 350 feet on a gradual trail in the shade of the forest canopy.
You'll know when you find Chikahoki Falls because it is absolutely beautiful.
While it's not the largest waterfall in New Jersey, the easy-to-access location and the shallow swimming hole at the base of the falls make this the perfect destination for any hot summer day. Be warned, though! Once you leave the falls and the swimming hole, you'll have to climb back up to the Otter Hole parking lot. Though it's just over 350 feet, it can be tiring on a hot day. Be sure to bring sunscreen, water, and bug spray.
Have you hiked through Norvin Green State Forest? If you love the hike out to Chikahoki Falls and want to extend it to make a longer, much more challenging hike day out of it, Explore The Otter Hole Trail At Norvin Green In New Jersey, Then Get A Bird's Eye View From Wyanokie High Point.
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