New Jersey is pretty tiny, so we often leave the state for road trips. While that’s all well and good, there are some pretty epic drives you can take without ever leaving our borders. We have well over a dozen different waterfalls to enjoy, each one unique. Though it would be fantastic to see them all, we wanted this trip to be doable in one day. This waterfall road trip through New Jersey features eight spectacular waterfalls that are some of the very best in the state. The trip itself takes 4.5 hours of drive time, so gas up the car and pack some snacks and get ready to enjoy this waterfall road trip through New Jersey!

For directions, view the official map.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
Image/Google
1. Dunnfield Creek Falls, Columbia
Interstate 80, I-80, Knowlton Township, NJ, 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 gorgeous area of New Jersey, or take a scenic drive through the area, you'll only have to hike about 3/4 of a mile to get to these falls from the nearest parking area. While you're here, you may want to hop on the Appalachian Trail, just to say you did.

2. Buttermilk Falls, Layton
Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Rd, Layton, NJ 07851, USA
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
About twenty miles north, in Stokes State Forest (also part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area), you'll find Buttermilk Falls. The falls are easily accessible from the parking lot and have a developed viewing area. Even better, since this is one of the most treasured waterfalls in New Jersey, you'll also find that this area is wonderfully developed for easy viewing; there's an interpretive display and wooden stairway to the top. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try to find even more iconic New Jersey waterfalls, like Silver Spray Falls, also known as Hidden Falls. They're located about half a mile from Buttermilk Falls on an unmarked trail.

3. Boonton Falls, Boonton
Boonton, NJ 07005, USA
David Seabrook/GoogleMaps
Boonton Falls is located in Grace Lord Park, located below the man-made dam. Boonton Falls actually once powered the entire New Jersey Iron Company, which is pretty impressive, I think! The falls aren't too far from Main Street, so if you're looking for a scenic drive with waterfalls, this is a no-brainer! Afterwards, if you're hankering for lunch or a snack, you have several options that are all within walking distance of the park.

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4. Ramapo Falls, Mahwah
608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, USA
Sergey Afanasav/GoogleMaps
A moderate four-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 unique Ramapo Falls. If you haven't already gotten food, this is a great picnic spot.
5. Great Falls, Paterson
Great Falls, Paterson, NJ, USA
Renecca "Becky" Choong/GoogleMaps
The largest, most powerful falls in New Jersey could not be left off this list. While the area is intimidating to some, Great Falls is located inside a national park, separate from the rest of the city. There is plenty to explore here and you can get up close to the falls via a footbridge.

6. Hemlock Falls, Maplewood
Parking Area Hemlock Falls, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
Josseline Lopez/GoogleMaps
You'll find Hemlock 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 is easy to find, and just under a mile from the Tulip Springs parking area.
7. High Bridge Falls/Lake Solitude Dam, High Bridge
Lake Solitude, New Jersey, USA
Flickr/William Doyle
Though High Bridge Falls isn't a natural waterfall, it's still a reader favorite. You've mentioned them many times in the comments! Built in 1909, this is the earliest example of a buttress dam. It is nationally recognized for its historical significance in the field of engineering.
8. Hacklebarney Falls, Long Valley
119 Hacklebarney Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
Flickr/Jim Lukach
Hacklebarney State Park is known for having numerous small falls along the Trout and Rhinehart brooks. Scenic and serene, this park is worth a walk-through. If you'd rather not hike much, you can find at least one waterfall within a mile from the parking area.

Have you been to any of these falls before? Share your insights and tips in the comments, and let me know if you would take this trip!

Prefer your waterfall adventures to involve less hiking and more luxury? This resort in New Jersey is the best of both worlds. Or, take a scenic drive through New Jersey on one of these beautiful country roads.

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Waterfall Road Trip Through New Jersey

Jackie Ann | February 14, 2021

What are the best waterfall hikes in New Jersey?

When taking in The Garden State’s natural beauty, it’s difficult to compete with the experience of a waterfall trail. Happily, New Jersey’s nature lovers have no shortage of stunning hikes from which to choose. Our recommendations? Head out to Sussex County to marvel at the highest waterfall in the state, Buttermilk Falls. Climb the trail stairs to gain various views of these majestic falls. Along Apshawa Brook, discover the grand cascades of Apshawa Preserve Falls in Passaic County. This scenic hike offers adventurers Jersey Highlands and Butler reservoir views. Passaic County is also home to Chikahoki Falls in the Norvin Green State Forest. This trail affords hikers 360° views of the surrounding landscape from its Wyanokie High Point.  

What are the best outdoor adventures in New Jersey?

Boasting 36 beautiful state parks, 11 pristine state forests, and almost 1,000 lakes and ponds, New Jersey’s outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled with a multitude of thrilling activities. Take the family to spend a day playing in the treetops at Tree to Tree in Cape May. Zip line courses range in difficulty and guide visitors through lush, exciting paths over wobbly bridges and tightropes. Or go on an unforgettable nighttime horseback ride at Echo Lake Stables in Newfoundland, where the trails follow ancient Native American paths through the surrounding mountainsides and streams. (You don’t have to be an experienced equestrian, they offer riding lessons for newbies, too!) Mountain Creek Resort in Northwestern New Jersey’s Kittatinny Mountains is another thrill-seekers paradise. Home to one of the country's highest-rated mountain bike parks, their 50 miles of trails offer something for everyone, from kids to beginners, all the way up to Armstrong-level advanced. 

 What are the best family-friendly hikes in New Jersey?

New Jersey is home to some of the best nature trails in the country, and they're suited for hikers of all experience levels. Spend an unforgettable day with the family on Cattus Island on the Toms River. Boardwalks and easy trails guide visitors through 530 acres of beautiful shore scenery with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. In Somerset, kids and parents alike will love the attractions at Colonial Park. With fun-filled playgrounds, idyllic picnic areas, paddle boats, mini-golf courses, and easy trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In Essex County, South Mountain Reservation is a hiking family’s paradise. Little ones will be in awe of the delightful "fairy trail" and paved walking loop around the attraction's zoo!

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