New Jersey Waterfalls Worth the Hike, From Quick Walks to Earned ViewsYour Headline
A good waterfall hike starts before you see the water. You smell wet leaves in cold air. You hear a creek speeding up somewhere below. Then the trail turns, and the mist finds your face.
New Jersey has more spectacular waterfalls than most people expect. Some show up after a five-minute walk. Others make you work, with rocks underfoot and a climb back to the car that reminds you what you came for.
This guide is organized by effort level, from quick walks to longer days on hiking trails with earned views. One safety note before you go: waterfalls change fast after rain, and the rocks stay slick even when the sun comes out. Check park alerts before you drive, and don't step past railings or onto wet rocky ledges.
Quick-walk waterfalls that still feel like a real reward
If you want the sound of falling water without a long hike, start here. These are the "why not?" stops, the kind that fit between errands or turn a short road trip into a real outing. Most are under 1 mile round trip, short easy hikes where the payoff comes fast.
A simple way to plan is to keep a short list of nearby options, then pick based on recent rain and how much daylight you have.
Buttermilk Falls (Delaware Water Gap), the tallest splash in the state with a near-instant payoff
Photo Courtesy: NPS
Buttermilk Falls sits near Layton in Sussex County, inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It's the highest waterfall in New Jersey at about 200 feet, and the main view of Buttermilk Falls is almost immediate. From the parking area, it's roughly 0.1 mile to the base viewpoint.
The walk feels more like a short approach than a hike. You'll hit wooden stairs and platforms that frame the water as it fans down dark rock. In spring, the flow can look like a bright ribbon pulled tight. After a steady rain, the sound gets louder, and the spray reaches farther than you'd think.
Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends. For a better view, climb partway up the stairs and look back down toward the pool; the drop reads taller from above. Keep your hands free, because the steps can stay wet, and it's smart to move slowly. Stay behind the railings; the rocks beside the falls look tempting and stay slick.
Hemlock Falls (South Mountain Reservation), a shady stroll to a classic curtain of water
Photo Courtesy takeahike.us
Hemlock Falls is in South Mountain Reservation near Millburn in Essex County. Depending on your route, it's about 0.5 to 1 mile to reach Hemlock Falls and return. The path is generally easy, with a gentle grade on a wide trail, plus a few roots and stones that keep you paying attention.
The waterfall itself is around 25 feet, and it often looks best in spring, when the ravine runs cold and full. The setting does the work here. Hemlocks lean over the trail, and the air feels a few degrees cooler as you drop into the hollow. Even on a busy day, the sound of water tends to soften the noise.
Several parking areas feed the trail system, and you can turn the visit into a short loop instead of an out-and-back. If you want a clearer photo, step back a few paces and frame the falls with the rock
Ramapo Valley Falls, (AKA MacMillan Falls) a short easy hike near Mahwah
Photo courtesy explorenorthjersey.com
For a low-stress waterfall walk close to the NY border, head to Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Bergen County, near Mahwah. The trip to the falls can be about 0.5 miles round trip, a short easy hike depending on where you start and which side paths you choose.
Its a decently sized waterfall at 20 feet tall, but unfortunately, it rarely has much water flowing down. This is because a short distance upstream, the MacMillan Brook is dammed to create a small reservoir
The trail is simple, mostly packed dirt with a few rocky spots. You'll hear the stream before you see it, a steady rush over stones that grows louder as the path narrows. The waterfall here is smaller than the big-name drops, but it feels earned in a satisfying way. Water slips over rock in a tight, clear channel, then spreads into ripples that catch the light.
Parking is typically off Ramapo Valley Road, and weekends fill up quickly when the weather is mild. If your group wants more time outside, keep walking past the falls and treat it like a longer creek-side stroll. The best viewing tip is also the easiest: pause, listen, then look upstream. The prettiest angles often come from the calmer water just above the drop.
Paterson Great Falls, an easy view in an urban setting
Paterson Great Falls delivers a powerful cascade without any real hike, perfect for those seeking an easy view. In its urban setting near the Passaic River, Paterson Great Falls is steps from parking via a short walkway to the overlook platform.
The 77-foot drop roars year-round, and the surrounding park adds green space to the city vibe.
Moderate hikes where the trail becomes part of the view
Moderate waterfall hikes in New Jersey are where things start to click. The spectacular waterfalls still anchor the day with their cascading water, but the trail adds its own rewards: hemlock shade, narrow gorges, and that quiet focus you only get when your boots keep meeting roots and rock.
Plan for 1 to 3 miles total, and expect mixed footing. Some routes include rocks, mud after rain, or short creek-side sections where you'll want balance. Start early on weekends, bring water even in cool weather, and remember that flow often looks best a day after a steady rain.
Stony Brook Falls (Stokes State Forest), a postcard stream with room to roam
Photo courtesy explorenorthjersey.com
In Stokes State Forest near Sandyston in Sussex County, the hemlock forest scenery makes you slow down without trying. To see Stony Brook Falls, you can build a hike around about 1 mile to the cascades, then extend into longer loops if you want more miles.
What makes this spot work is the shape of the water. Instead of one clean drop, you get a series of angled, stepped cascades over rock, like a creek running down a tilted staircase. In spring, the brook brightens and pushes harder through the stones. The surrounding hemlock forest can feel especially calm, with hemlocks and soft ground that muffles footsteps.
After rain, trails here can turn muddy, so shoes with real tread help. For a better view, look for a safe, stable spot slightly downstream. From there, you can see more of the cascade line, not just the nearest section.
Apshawa Preserve Falls, a West Milford loop with climbs, ruins, and a hidden-water feel
Photo courtesy njconservation.org
Apshawa Preserve in Passaic County, near West Milford, is a strong pick when you want a moderate loop with variety. Many hikers do a 1.5 to 2 mile loop, and the effort feels "steady," with short climbs that raise your heart rate but don't drag on forever.
Underfoot, expect rocks, roots, and sections that get slick after rain. The falls here are smaller, but they feel tucked away, like you found them by accident. Apshawa Preserve also has reservoir scenery and occasional open views through the trees that make the loop feel bigger than it is.
Wear traction-ready shoes and take your time on damp rock.
Laurel Falls (Worthington State Forest), an Appalachian Trail taste without an all-day commitment
Photo courtesy onlyinyourstate.com
Laurel Falls sits in Worthington State Forest near Columbia in Warren County, and it's a great way to sample the area's Appalachian Trail energy without committing your whole day. Many routes come in around 1 to 2 miles total, with a moderate feel thanks to rocky sections and small elevation changes.
Access is often tied to Old Mine Road, and the vibe shifts fast from roadside forest to creek music and stone steps. You'll hear water moving over rock long before the falls come into view, which builds that quiet anticipation. In spring and early summer, the flow usually looks best, and the air near the creek can feel chilled even on warm days.
For a better view, avoid climbing around the falls. Instead, look for stable ground slightly off the main path where you can see the water's full run without risking a slip. Nearby in the Kittatinny Mountains, Tillman Ravine and Van Campens Glen offer similar alternatives.
Earned views and longer days: waterfalls that make you work for it
These are the longer hikes where the waterfall is only part of the story. The trail asks more from you, with longer mileage, rockier ground, and climbs that make your legs talk back. In return, you get deeper woods, bigger terrain, and the kind of satisfaction that sticks with you all week.Before you go, keep prep simple: start earlier than you think you need to, pack layers, bring snacks, tell someone your plan, and turn back if storms move in.
Here's a quick way to match your day to your energy level:
| Effort level | Typical round-trip distance | What it feels like | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick walk | Under 1 mile | Stairs, packed dirt, short paths | Short outings, families, tight schedules |
| Moderate hike | 1 to 3 miles | Roots, rocks, mild climbs | Half-day adventures, better solitude |
| Strenuous longer hike | 3+ miles | Elevation, rock hopping, longer exposure | Training hikes, big views, "earned" stops |
The big takeaway: pick the tier that matches the weather, not just your motivation.
Dunnfield Creek Falls (Worthington State Forest), a rocky creek walk with Appalachian Trail energy
Photo courtesy stavislost.com
Dunnfield Creek Natural Area is one of those places where the water stays with you for much of the hike. In Worthington State Forest (Warren County), you can build routes around 3 to 4 miles with loop options, although longer variations are common if you connect more trail.
The difficulty comes from rocky footing and elevation change, plus the way creek-side trails demand constant attention. In spring and early summer, the flow is often strong, and the series of cascades along the creek can feel like a moving soundtrack.
Parking is typically near I-80 (Exit 4 area), but lots can fill fast on fair weekends. On the hike, keep your steps deliberate, especially where the trail hugs wet rock. Careful footing beats speed every time.
Schooley's Mountain Falls, a rugged gorge hike near Long Valley
Photo courtesy businessyab.com
In Morris County near Long Valley, Schooley's Mountain offers a tougher waterfall day than many people expect. Plan for roughly 3 to 4 miles round trip depending on your route, with a rocky, uneven feel that slows your pace.
The reward comes in layers. The gorge walls tighten around you, the light shifts darker under the canopy, and then you reach a pair of falls that feel tucked into a steep-walled pocket of forest. Shade keeps the area cool, even when nearby trails feel warm.
Take your time on uneven stone, especially on the way down when gravity does its best to rush you. If you arrive right after heavy rain and the rocks look glossy, consider saving the steepest sections for another day. Slick footing turns a fun scramble into a stressful one.
Chikahoki Falls (Norvin Green State Forest), a steep scramble tucked in Passaic County
Photo courtesy explorenorthjersey.com
Chikahoki Falls in Norvin Green State Forest delivers one of those rewarding scrambles in Passaic County, with routes often hitting 3 to 4 miles round trip. The path drops through dense woods to the base of Chikahoki Falls, where the water tumbles over layered rocks into a shaded pool.
Expect consistent rock hopping and climbs that test your balance, especially after wet weather. The forest feels wild and untouched, making the payoff at the falls feel all the more earned. Park at a designated lot off the main roads, and watch for trail markers that can fade in leafier seasons.
Peanut Leap Cascade, a steep push with big cliffs and big sky payback
Photo courtesy cindysjournal.com
Peanut Leap Cascade sits in the Palisades Interstate Park area near Alpine in Bergen County, not far from the Hudson River cliffs. Routes vary, but many hikers treat it as a 3+ mile outing once you include approach mileage and scenic overlooks. The hard part is the grade. You'll deal with steep rocky ledges that make the return climb feel like a stair workout that never ends.
The cascade itself is pretty, especially after rain, but the larger reward is the sense of height in this section of the Palisades. When the trees open, the sky feels bigger, and the cliffs remind you that New Jersey can look dramatic.
Skip this hike in icy conditions. Also keep a safe distance from cliff edges, even when the view begs for one more step. Photos aren't worth a slip.
Make every waterfall day smoother: timing, trail smarts, and simple etiquette
Waterfalls aren't museum pieces. They change with weather, season, and even the hour of the day. A little planning helps you catch them at their best, and it keeps the day fun when conditions get messy.When to go for the best flow, and when to skip the trip
In New Jersey, spring (March through May) often brings the strongest water flow because snowmelt and rain feed the creeks. Early summer can stay lively too, especially after a wet stretch. Late summer can run low unless storms keep rolling through, but fall transforms the scene with vibrant fall foliage that boosts photography and atmosphere around the drops. Heavy rain a day earlier can be perfect, since streams rise but trails may be less chaotic than during the storm itself. Still, don't hike into a narrow creek corridor when thunder is on the forecast. Fast water can turn crossings and stream edges into hazards.
If the roar sounds "too loud" for the size of the creek, treat that as a warning. Step back and give the water room.
What to bring so slick rocks and surprise mud do not ruin the day
You don't need fancy gear for most New Jersey waterfall hiking trails, but you do need the basics. Grippy shoes matter more than anything else. After that, pack water, a snack, and a light rain shell you'll actually wear if drizzle starts.
Bug spray helps in warm months near ravines and slow water. A small first aid kit is worth the space, even if it's just bandages and blister care. Bring a map or an offline trail app, since service can fade in pockets of forest. Hacklebarney State Park is a prime spot for these hikes, offering a series of smaller waterfalls that reward solid prep.
If you hike with a dog, keep it leashed near scenic overlooks and narrow viewpoints. Also give other hikers space at photo spots, because most falls only have a few safe places to stand.
Final Thoughts
New Jersey waterfall hikes come in three flavors: quick walks for instant reward, moderate trails where the woods become part of the payoff, and longer days where the views feel earned. Choose based on your time, your fitness, and the weather you actually have, not the weather you wish you had. Save this list, check water flow conditions before you go, and then follow the sound of water until the mist finds you. With the right plan, New Jersey waterfall hikes become as memorable as the falls.
