The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring New Jersey's Waterfalls

If you love exploring the Garden State and often find yourself wondering about waterfalls in New Jersey, this is the perfect weekend trip for you. Go from waterfall to waterfall, stop to eat and enjoy other nearby attractions, and have the time of your life. We’ve done all the planning, so you can just relax and have fun. Of course, you can adjust the trip as you see fit by customizing the map below, adding in your favorite dining destinations, or putting in your own stop and start points.

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Start your New Jersey weekend waterfall trip!

Blairstown Diner, 53 NJ-94, Blairstown, NJ 07825, USA

Gourmet Gallery, 31 Main St, Blairstown, NJ 07825, USA

Yelp/Joseph H.

While you can grab breakfast anywhere near your starting point, you definitely want to make sure to eat a nutritious meal before venturing out. There's going to be a bit of hiking today so be prepared! Jersey diners are the best places to stuff your face and fuel up for the day. Local dining options near your first stop include the Blairstown Diner (pictured) and Gourmet Gallery.

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Dunnfield Creek, Hardwick Township, NJ 07832, USA

Flickr/Jim Lukach

Your first stop is near Dunnfield Creek in Worthington State Forest, part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. While you could easily spend a full day exploring this scenic area of New Jersey, you'll only have to hike about 3/4 of a mile to get to these falls from the nearest parking area. The parking area does fill up quickly on weekends so get here early, or be prepared to look for overflow parking. The hike along Dunnfield Creek is beautiful and shady and will take you to the cascade just a short walk from the parking lot.

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Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA

Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Visiting this gorgeous spot (the tallest waterfall in the state) doesn't require much hiking unless you need to walk far from where you park your car. There is a ground-level viewing area along with an elevated platform and an interpretive display. Stay for just a bit or hike to the nearby Silver Spray Falls, hidden about half a mile away. Learn more about Buttermilk Falls, one of the most beautiful New Jersey waterfalls.

5531 Berkshire Valley Rd #9777, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438, USA

Facebook / Three Brothers

You'll be driving along Route 23 to your next destination, so there are plenty of dining options. Pizza is a perfect choice for lunch, and doesn't this pie from Three Brothers in Oak Ridge look amazing? Once again, classic New Jersey cuisine is a winner!

Ramapo Valley County Reservation, 608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA

Flickr/Bruce Faling

A moderate 4-mile hike at Ramapo Valley County Reservation will take you past a lovely lake, the Ramapo River, unique ruins, a scenic overlook and of course, the falls. For directions, visit the Bergen County New Jersey website.

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Sangria, 1033 MacArthur Blvd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA

Yelp/Sangria

There are plenty of places to eat dinner, so pick something that meets your needs. Sangria, pictured, is a great spot for tapas in Mahwah. You'll love their seasonally-inspired, flavorful dishes. Visit the Sangria website for more information.

Hampton Inn & Suites Mahwah, 290 Route 17, Corporate Dr, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA

TripAdvisor/Hampton Inn

There are plenty of hotels nearby, in the town of Mahwah. Hampton Inn & Suites is one top-rated option that offers affordable rates.

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State Line Diner, 375 NJ-17, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA

Facebook/Themis M.

In true Jersey style, head to a nearby diner for breakfast again. One option near your hotel is the State Line Diner, and they're known for great portions and tasty pastries. Visit the website for State Line Diner to learn more.

Great Falls, Paterson, NJ, USA

Wikipedia/Merle9999

Start your morning at one of the most stunning New Jersey Waterfalls -- Great Falls! Take a little time and be sure to cross the footbridge right in front of the falls for fantastic views. This is probably the most impressive waterfall in the Garden State, and it's certainly the most powerful by volume.

Little Falls Methodist Church, 139 Main St, Little Falls, NJ 07424, USA

Flickr/Doug Kerr

Just a few miles away from the Great Falls lies a stunning man-made waterfall, near where a natural waterfall once stood. The falls are hidden away in the Morris Canal Preserve, not even visible on most maps. You'll see a small sign near the Little Falls Methodist Church on Main Street. I've been here many times and it's never been too crowded.

McLoone's Boathouse, Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ, USA

Facebook/McLoone's Boathouse

Eat where you'd like, of course, but we highly recommend McLoone's Boathouse. This beautiful waterfront restaurant has an amazing atmosphere and is convenient to your last stop. They've got an inventive menu with options like Buffalo Chicken Wontons, a Crab & Avocado Tower, and a Filet Mignon BLT.

South Mountain Reservation, Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA

Flickr/The Turducken

You'll find these falls at the South Mountain Reservation, located in South Orange. This park provides spectacular views of New York City and is adjacent to the fun-filled Turtle Back Zoo. Hemlock Falls are easy to find, and just under a mile from the Tulip Springs parking area. For a map, click here. After a hike, you can head home or extend your trip by visiting the zoo or adjacent ziplining course.

If you’d rather see stunning waterfalls with no hiking required, check out our list of easy-access waterfalls in New Jersey! These hikes will ensure you get to see beautiful scenery without much physical exertion.

So, would you go on any waterfall day trips or road trips in New Jersey? Let us know your favorite falls in the state in the comments.