For a small and highly urban state, New Jersey has some amazing Garden State Waterfalls. Yet, for all the cascades everyone knows, there are some much better-hidden ones. These are the ones hiding in little-known state parks, that require a challenging hike to reach. Your reward? One of the best views in New Jersey. If you're up for the challenge, there's one of these secret waterfalls in New Jersey only minutes from the Pennsylvania border. The Kugler Woods Preserve, found in Stockton, is home to the Kugler Woods Preserve Trail, which leads you to the little-known Kugler Falls. This trail is less than half a mile, but it'll test you along the way. Read on to discover your next great waterfall adventure!
Kugler Woods Preserve is one of the most peaceful spots in New Jersey, a little nature preserve run by the Hunterdon Land Trust. It's a great spot to spend the day - but if you're up for it, there's a challenge awaiting with a great reward at the end.
The Kugler Woods Preserve Trail is only 0.4 miles, but this woodlands trail is rated moderate and is rarely very busy. You should bring good hiking boots and be prepared for some seriously uneven terrain.
This trail includes bouldering and should only be attempted in good weather. You don't want slick boulders, but it's best to take this trail outside of dry seasons.
That's because Kugler Falls, coming in at 12 feet, is only running when there's a sufficient waterflow. You'll want to come after a heavy rain, but once the area surrounding it has had a chance to dry off a bit.
Your reward for this challenging journey is easily one of the most peaceful waterfalls in New Jersey. That it's so secret and is only running for some parts of the year makes it all the more special - like you're in on one of the Garden State's best little nature secrets.
Have you visited Kugler Falls in the Kugler Woods Preserve? Let us know about your visit to this secret waterfall in New Jersey in the comments section! You can see more photos of the trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails + for this journey - you'll want its point-by-point directions on your side as you navigate this challenging trail. If you'd like to bunk down for the night before trying this trail, we found a great vacation home rental in Stockton.
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