Best Waterfalls in New Jersey: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
By Raymond Goldfield|Published May 20, 2024
×
Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
When the weather is nice for hiking, I always love to find a hidden spot on the trail that’s perfect for relaxing, reflection, and of course photos! And is there any more perfect example of a spot like this than right in front of a waterfall? The Garden State might be a small, densely populated state, but the best waterfalls in New Jersey are a diverse bunch that each have something unique worth a visit. Some are among the most spectacular cascades in the country, while others are tiny and peaceful streams far off the beaten path. Some require a mighty hike, while others are only minutes away from your car. One way or another, crossing all these cascades off your bucket list is a mighty adventure – and here at Only In Your State, we’re happy to give you all you need to know for this Garden State adventure.
Is there anything more impressive than a magnificent cascade? New Jersey might not have the tallest or most well-known waterfalls in the country, but our tallest falls are mighty impressive. These waterfalls take many shapes, but they’re always impressive sights no matter the season.
Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey.
Popularity: Very popular. This is the tallest waterfall in New Jersey and is the most-visited spot in the Delaware Water Gap’s New Jersey section.
Need To Know Accessed via the Buttermilk Falls Trail, which is a challenging 2.8-mile hike. The good news is, the hike begins at the falls, so those who want to see it only have to walk a few minutes. There is no fee to access the waterfall or enter the Delaware Water Gap.
Buttermilk Falls might just be New Jersey’s most stunning natural wonder, a towering waterfall of around 85 feet near Layton, New Jersey and the Delaware River. But it’s not a straight flow down - like many of our waterfalls, this cascade makes its way down a rocky front and splits along the way, creating an impressive water effect when it’s rushing. The easy trail leading to the waterfall does have a few rocky spots, so caution is recommended. There is an observation platform that also allows amazing views from the top of the falls.
2. Green Brook Falls
Green Brook Waterfall, Henry Hudson Dr, Alpine, NJ 07620, USA
Popularity: Popular. This is an easy-to-access waterfall that gets a lot of onlookers and photographers.
Need To Know This waterfall is accessed via the Huyler’s Landing Trail, which is a 2.2-mile hike considered moderately challenging. The falls are part of the Greenbrook Sanctuary, which charges an annual membership fee as part of the Palisades Nature Association.
At 250 feet tall, Green Brook Falls is truly a stunning sight best seen during the fall. The falls feed directly into the Hudson River, and the high cliffs of the Palisades are only a short distance away with incredible views of the New York skyline. But if you’re not here during the fall foliage season, don’t fret - the falls are gorgeous through the year, including when the entire thing freezes over. It’s one of the most impressive winter sites in the state, and it’s worth getting a membership to Greenbrook Sanctuary to visit during all seasons.
Popularity: Popular. While Worthington State Forest isn’t as highly visited as some parks in the state, this waterfall is one of its top attractions.
Need To Know Laurel Falls is an easy 0.5-mile hike from the Douglas Trail parking lot and is one of the easier waterfalls to access. This is actually a combination of three small waterfalls that come together. There is no charge to enter Worthington State Forest.
At 80 feet tall, Laurel Falls has a very unique distinction - its upper and lower sections are divided by a walkway crossing the stream in the middle. That makes this one of the only waterfalls anywhere that guests can walk through! While parking at the trailhead is limited, it’s a quick walk to visit. If you’re lucky enough to visit in May, you can see the Mountain Laurel shrubs that give the falls its name in full bloom.
Advertisement
Best Waterfall Hikes In New Jersey
Sometimes we’re in the mood for a challenge! These waterfalls are among the best bets when you want to beat the crowds, because it takes some work to get there. These falls are hidden in state parks and forests and often involve navigating some challenging terrain to get there. Strap on your hiking boots and check your trail maps – especially for one of these!
4. Chikahoki Falls
Norvin Green State Forest, 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA
Popularity: Moderately popular. The challenging hike will keep away many visitors, but this is still a high-profile trail.
Need To Know This waterfall is found through a 4.0-mile loop trail involving challenging terrain. Expect steep climbs and long wooded stretches. There is no charge to enter Norvin Green State Forest.
This is definitely one of the wettest hikes on the list, and Chikahoki Falls isn’t your first destination. As you hike through Norvin Green State Forest, you’ll encounter tiny falls like Otter Hole Falls and descend about a hundred feet on the trail before you reach the main destination. Chikahoki is a small but gorgeous waterfall that features a shallow swimming hole at the base. This is an area where the weather can be intense on summer days, so make sure to bring sunscreen and bug spray.
5. Apshawa Falls
Apshawa Preserve, 4 Northwood Dr, West Milford, NJ 07480, USA
Popularity: Popular. This is an easy hike in a beautiful area, and the waterfall isn’t hard to find.
Need To Know This is a 3.5-mile hike that contains no challenging terrain, so it makes a great beginner hike. There is no admission fee to Apshawa Preserve.
The Green Loop Trail leading to Apshawa Falls is one of the best beginner hikes in the state for active kids. You pass by a river, ruins, and mountain ridges before arriving at your final destination. Apshawa Falls is a man-made waterfall, meaning it’s impressively smooth and uniform. The pool attached to it is a fantastic place to relax and dip your feet in the water on a hot summer day. While the hike is an easy one, trail markers can be few and far between, so exercise caution and bring a trail map as you explore the Apshawa Brook area.
Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey.
Popularity: This waterfall is nicknamed “Hidden Falls”, so that should give you a clue! This waterfall will rarely have any crowds - if you can find it.
Need To Know Finding Silver Spray Falls is a puzzle. You start at the same place as Buttermilk Falls, but pull off to a short but unmarked trail near the parking area. The trail involves following and crossing a creek, making this the most challenging waterfall to find in New Jersey.
Who’s up for an adventure? This is one of the Holy Grails of nature explorers in New Jersey for good reason, and what’s more impressive is that it’s only feet away from the state’s most famous park waterfall. But Silver Spray Falls truly is only for experienced hikers. To discover this waterfall, you’ll need to know what to look for - a small pull-off about a half-mile from the main mountain road that leads to a challenging path through Flat Creek. When you see several smaller waterfalls, you’ll know you’re close. We recommend a winter visit, when Flat Creek is safer to cross and the frozen waterfall is gorgeous.
Popularity: Moderately popular. Hacklebarney is a laid-back state park, and the many trails and small cascades around mean few will be mobbed except in the busiest season.
Need To Know The best waterfall views here are obtained by taking a 2.1-mile loop trail through moderately challenging terrain. This is one of the more remote state parks, so expect cell service to be spotty. There is no admission fee to the park.
Hacklebarney State Park is a hiker’s paradise, so expect to spend a good part of the day here. As you hike, you’ll come across several small waterfalls and impressive views of larger ones. That makes Hacklebarney a top destination during the fall, as the combination of waterfalls and fall foliage is hard for photographers to resist. You’ll want to bring some solid hiking boots for this one, but none of the terrain is as challenging as the other hikes in this section. Once you’re done with the main Hacklebarney Loop Trail, those looking for more hiking trails can try the nearby Red, Yellow, and White Loop.
Accessible Waterfalls In New Jersey
For those who want a stunning view on a relaxing and easy day, these waterfalls are for you. They couldn’t be more different – one is one of the busiest, most exciting spots in the state, while the other is a laid-back little slice of heaven on a suburban street. Both are only a short walk away!
8. Paterson Great Falls
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
Popularity: Extremely popular. This isn’t really a waterfall so much as a full-blown tourist attraction, so you can expect large crowds when the weather is nice. This is also a top spot for school and camp groups.
Need To Know This massive waterfall is located in a major complex that includes information about the history of the falls. There is no hike to access the falls, save for some stairs. Because this is a national historical park, there is no admission fee.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is often called the Niagara Falls of New Jersey, and one look at these stunning falls makes it easy to see why. At 77 feet tall, they’re not the tallest - but they are among the most sprawling, and certainly the easiest to access. The falls are always rushing, and they played a key role in the development of Paterson as an urban center in the early days of the United States. They’re definitely the most famous falls in New Jersey, appearing in many movies and inspiring artists.
Popularity: Moderately popular. Located in the middle of a downtown near an overpass, it’s pretty common to see a few people stopping to gaze at its beauty. .
Need To Know A small but beautiful waterfall located under the overpass at the intersection of Tinton and Sycamore Avenues, this fall requires no hiking or special effort. The size and speed of the falls differ greatly based on the weather.
The Tinton Avenue Waterfall might be the most laid-back falling waters in the Garden State. You can just stop by on a day trip to Tinton Falls, and the waterfall feeds into a natural mineral spring. This fall is part of Pine Brook, which makes it a major part of the water ecosystem in the area. While many residents of the area might pass it by every day without giving it a second thought, we think it’s well worth making a special trip to the area just to see it. After all, how many people have a waterfall in their hometown?
Best Waterfalls Near Newark
The Newark area is one of New Jersey’s biggest and busiest, especially as it’s so close to New York City, so it’s surprising there are so many beautiful nature spots so close to it! None of these gorgeous waterfalls are more than a thirty-minute drive from downtown Newark, making them a perfect quick day trip – but they feel a world away from the big city and the rest of busy Essex County.
10. Hemlock Falls
Hemlock Falls, Route, 510 Rte 510, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
Popularity: Very popular. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Jersey and is one of South Mountain Reservation’s top attractions.
Need To Know While the waterfall hike is only around 1.6 miles, this is one of the more rustic hiking areas in the state and some areas of the trail aren’t marked well We recommend downloading trail maps ahead of starting your hike. The park is free to access, although added amenities like camping facilities are available.
Hemlock Falls might be the most beautiful spot in South Mountain Reservation, thanks to its winding and shady trail and its impressive cascade. This waterfall is more dependent than some others on the weather, so you want to come here not long after it’s rained to see the falls at their strongest. In addition to the falls, there are plenty of other reasons to take this trail - including a unique fairy garden where visitors can see tiny homes and other artistic touches built into the woods surrounding them.
11. Morris Canal Falls
Morris Canal Greenway, Woodland Park, NJ 07424, USA
Popularity: Moderately popular - similar to the Tinton Avenue Waterfall, this waterfall is more part of the landscape and frequently gets a few onlookers but never large crowds.
Need To Know This public waterfall in Woodland Park is easily accessed by a 0.8-mile hike through a park and suburban area. It’s an ideal beginner’s waterfall for those who aren’t interested in a hiking adventure.
The Morris Canal Falls might take the title for “best waterfall hiding in plain sight”. The town of Little Falls is a fast-growing place, so keep an eye out for a new archway labeled “Morris Canal Preserve”. You’ll enter a small nature preserve that was only established in 2001 and take a short hike along the Passaic River. That’s where you’ll find a tiny and beautiful waterfall with an old building as its backdrop. This is one of the most picturesque spots in New Jersey, and the waterfall is just part of the beautiful landscape here.
Popularity: Moderately popular. This small waterfall is located in a suburban county park and is a hidden gem, but can get crowds of onlookers and photographers on busy days.
Need To Know This small park has only one trail - a 2.0 mile easy hike along the Mountain Lakes Boulevard walking path. It’s a very relaxing place and people can usually take their time admiring the waterfall. Like all New Jersey county parks, there is no admission fee.
Boonton Falls is located inside Grace Lord Park, and it’s just part of the beautiful scenery here. The park goes along the Rockaway River, and the small waterfalls inside are formed by the rushing water. The highlight is the 20-foot cascade at the end of a short and easy hike, only a few minutes from downtown Boonton. That makes it one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in the state, but it still doesn’t get too much traffic. The park surrounding it is a gem in its own right, with beautiful historical buildings and lush greenery.
Have you visited any of the best waterfalls in New Jersey before? Let us know about your trek in the comments section! If exploring these waterfalls has you in the mood for more adventures in the great outdoors, consider checking out some of the best state parks in New Jersey. Some of these falls will definitely require a hike, so you might want to consider a subscription to AllTrails + before you embark – this mobile app makes it easy to always stay connected in remote areas thanks to point-by-point guides and downloadable trail maps.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
