Top 12 waterfalls in New Jersey named by Only in Your State
It may be beach season, but there are plenty of other water features around New Jersey for those seeking a different kind of adventure.
Whether at the end of a hiking trail or minutes away from the hustle and bustle of traffic, there are waterfalls in New Jersey that range from mighty to serene.
The website Only in Your State put together a list of the 12 best waterfalls in New Jersey, categorizing them from tallest to best for hiking to most accessible and more.
Here's what they found:
Best waterfalls in New Jersey
Tallest:
Buttermilk Falls, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: The tallest waterfall in New Jersey is the most-visited spot in the Delaware Water Gap's New Jersey section, according to Only in Your State. There's a trail leading to the waterfall, as well as an observation platform.
Green Brook Falls, Palisades Interstate Park: Accessed via the Huyler’s Landing Trail, a 2.2-mile hike, the waterfall is part of the Greenbrook Sanctuary and requires membership to the Palisades Nature Association. The falls are gorgeous year-round, particularly in fall and winter.
Laurel Falls, Worthington State Forest: Located a half mile from a trail parking lot, they are actually a combination of three small waterfalls. Its upper and lower sections are divided by a walkway, making it one of the only waterfalls you can walk through.
Best waterfall hikes:
Chikahoki Falls, Norvin Green State Forest: Accessed via a 4-mile challenging hike that also will take you past tiny falls. There's a shallow swimming hole at its base.
Apshawa Falls, Apshawa Preserve: Located via a beginner's level 3.5-mile hike that is great for kids. There is a pool where you can dip your feet attached to this man-made waterfall.
Silver Spray Falls, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Nicknamed “Hidden Falls,” this one can be tricky to find and requires an experienced hiker. "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," according to Only in Your State.
Hacklebarney Falls, Hacklebarney State Park: The best views are found by taking a 2.1 mile-loop trail, which Only in Your State says is moderately challenging. You should come across several small waterfalls along the way.
Accessible waterfalls
Paterson Great Falls, Paterson: The "Niagara Falls of New Jersey" is extremely popular, so it gets crowded. But the 77-foot-tall falls are easy to access and are located within a major complex with plenty to learn about.
Tinton Avenue Waterfall, Tinton Falls: Located in the middle of downtown, the unassuming falls require no hiking. "The Tinton Avenue Waterfall might be the most laid-back falling waters in the Garden State," says Only in Your State. The waterfall feeds into a natural mineral spring and is part of Pine Brook.
Waterfalls close to Newark
Hemlock Falls, South Mountain Reservation: The waterfall hike is around 1.6 miles, but the area is rustic and not well-marked. There are camping facilities and a fairy garden among the area's other attractions.
Morris Canal Falls, Woodland Park: A public waterfall, it is easily accessed by a 0.8-mile hike through a park and suburban area. Only in Your State says it's an "ideal beginner's waterfall." There is a small nature preserve and views along the Passaic River.
Boonton Falls, Grace Lord Park: A small waterfall in a suburban county park. There's only one trail, a 2-mile easy hike. The park surrounding the waterfall "is a gem in its own right, with beautiful historical buildings and lush greenery," according to Only In Your State.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: 12 popular waterfalls in New Jersey named by Only in Your State
