The Best Waterfalls in New Jersey

New Jersey has more than 20 breathtaking waterfalls just waiting for you and your family to discover. And spring is one of the best times to visit them. If you can venture out after a big rainstorm, you’ll get an even better treat.

The largest, and perhaps the most well known, is the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. It is the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River (after Niagara), plunging 70 feet over a rocky ledge into the trap rock and sandstone below. The bridge is currently closed, but you can still access the falls.

Also best seen after a wet winter is Silver Spray Falls in the Delaware Water Gap, in Walpack Township, Sussex County. You can see the red rocks of the Kittatinny Ridge. Although it’s a bit out of the way and could be difficult to find along the Hidden Falls Trail, it’s considered to be one of the most photogenic falls in the state.

The Shore Trail leading to Greenbrook Falls in Tenafly requires a bit of a hike, but then you’ll see the Hudson River and the skyscrapers of New York on one side, and the cliffs of the Palisades on the other.

Boonton Falls in the Morris County village of Boonton was once the strength behind the New Jersey Iron Company, built in the early 1800s. It was once a swimming hole for local youth, but it was dangerous. and some kids died. In the 1950s, the city filled in the channel and changed the height of the rocks to make it safer.

Bridal Veil Falls in North Haledon in Passaic County is said to be dazzling after a good rain and easy to reach. In winter, the falls freeze into a stack of huge icicles. A trail leads behind the waterfall, and your children are sure to enjoy this water “cave” of falling water.

So, are you ready for a great hike? Don your water-resistant hiking boots and your sense of adventure as you search out these spectacular examples of New Jersey’s lesser-known natural resources.

Bergen County

Essex County

South Mountain Reservation Hemlock Falls, Maplewood
Maple Falls, Millburn

Hunterdon County

Tumble Falls, Frenchtown

Monmouth County

Tinton Falls, Tinton Falls (the overlook by the falls is located at 741 Tinton Ave.)

Morris County

Boonton Falls, Boonton
Schooleys Falls, Long Valley, Washington Township

Passaic County (home to some of the best waterfalls in New Jersey)

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Paterson
Hewitt (Mine Hole) Falls, Hewitt, West Milford Township
Clinton Falls, Newfoundland, West Milford Township12
Wynochie Falls, Bloomingdale, in Norvin Green State Forest
Chickahoki Falls, Bloomingdale, in Norvin Green State Forest
Bridal Veil Falls, North Haledon (near William Paterson University)

Sussex County/Delaware Water Gap region

Rutherford Falls, Montague Township
Coopers Glen Falls, Colesville, Wantage Township
Tillman Ravine, Walpack Township, Stokes State Forest
Stony Brook, Sandyston Township, Stokes State Forest
Silver Spray Falls, Walpack Township
Buttermilk Falls, Walpack Township

Warren County/Delaware Water Gap region

Van Campens Glen, Hardwick, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Warren Co. section)
Big Tocks Creek Falls, Hardwick
Laurel Falls, Hardwick, Worthington State Forest