10 Amazing Waterfalls in New Jersey State

Written by Volia Schubiger
Updated: June 6, 2023
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There are a lot of attractions that New Jersey is famous for, including the Jersey Shore and Atlantic City. However, did you know that the Garden State actually has some pretty spectacular scenic attractions, including lush forests and rocky hills? You may not have initially guessed it, but New Jersey actually has some amazing natural wonders to behold. 

One of these, in particular, is its many waterfalls. Looking to find out more about New Jersey’s stunning waterfall locations? We will provide you with the 10 best waterfalls you can visit in Jersey.

1. Paterson Great Falls

Paterson Great Falls

More than two billion gallons of water flow over Paterson Great Falls every day.

©Tetyana Ohare/Shutterstock.com

Located In:Paterson
Nearby Destinations:Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
Animals to See:Deer, Rabbits

It’s difficult to overlook the Paterson Great Falls, also known as Passaic Falls. On the east side of the Mississippi, only Niagara Falls has more sheer volume than this amazing waterfall, as it comes in at 77 feet high and 260 feet wide. There’s almost no way not to totally be enthralled by the sheer size and magnitude of this gorgeous sight. This is also what makes it a trendy area to take pictures in New Jersey.

The Paterson Great Falls is so beautiful that the town of Paterson was built around it. Alexander Hamilton established the town to assist in creating jobs in a range of industries, ranging from textiles to railroads. It is one of the most stunning New Jersey waterfalls.

2. Tillman Falls

Tillman Falls

Tillman Falls is located in the Stokes State Forest to the south and offers a breathtaking vista.

©Dawn J Benko/Shutterstock.com

Located In:Sussex County
Nearby Destinations:Stokes State Forest
Animals to See:Black bears, Songbirds

A magnificent waterfall awaits discovery deep within the Tillman Ravine, in the heart of Sussex County. Tillman involves a waterfall hike to reach its stunning peak. However, once you do, you’ll understand why the journey was worthwhile. The best way to get to this stunning waterfall in the Stokes State Forest is to take a path through the Tillman Ravine. The ravine’s pathways are an easy walk that takes guests on a relaxing stroll through beautiful trees. Those who continue on the Appalachian Trail will eventually reach Buttermilk Falls, making their way to another spectacular New Jersey waterfall.

3. Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls State Park is named after the foaming cascade created by Buttermilk Creek.

©Eric Dale/Shutterstock.com

Located In: Layton, NJ
Nearby Destinations:Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Animals to See:Cottontail rabbits, Beavers

You can view Buttermilk Falls up close by hiking along the 1.4-mile moderately difficult Buttermilk Falls Trail. Expect a bit of a climb because this is one of the state’s tallest waterfalls. Fortunately for those who do not enjoy hiking, the falls are located near the beginning of the trail. The impressive views of the valley that await those who continue along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail will be missed by those who turn back too quickly.

4. Chikahoki Falls

Chikahoki Falls

Chikahoki Falls, together with forests and rocky panoramas, is found in the middle of Norvin Green State Forest.

©Andrew Tuttle/Shutterstock.com

Located In:Bloomingdale, NJ
Nearby Destinations:Wyanokie High Point
Animals to See:Turkey vultures, Timber rattlesnakes

Chikahoki Falls is located deep in the heart of a dense forest. While this isn’t the absolute tallest or largest waterfall that you can stumble across, it is perhaps one of the most beautiful. This is the perfect waterfall to pack a lunch for. You’ll want to admire its beauty for more than just a couple of minutes.

​​Locals refer to them as “Chick Falls,” located in the Norvin Green Forest, west of the Wanaque Reservoir. Those who complete the hiking loops will be rewarded with an unrivaled view of the falls from above when standing at the summit of the Wyanokie High Point.

5. Tinton Falls

Tinton Falls

Tinton Falls is the highest natural waterfall in the coastal lowlands of New Jersey

©b k / CC BY-SA 2.0 – License

Located In:Monmouth County
Nearby Destinations:Barnegat Branch Trail
Animals to See:Beavers, Birds

In Monmouth County, these falls are the tallest on the state’s coastal plain. The best view of Tinton Falls is from a wooden platform at 741 Tinton Avenue in the town of the same name. Compared to some of the other waterfalls on this list, the Tinton Falls may not be the biggest or most spectacular. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that they are quite gorgeous. 

6. Hemlock Falls

Hemlock Falls

The South Mountain Reservation’s Hemlock Falls is a fantastic hiking trail in South Orange, New Jersey.

©Micah Blaho/Shutterstock.com

Located In:Essex County
Nearby Destinations:South Mountain Reservation
Animals to See:Deer, Foxes, Squirrels

Hemlock Falls, a 25-foot-high waterfall in Essex County, is located on South Mountain Reservation. The park is 2,110 acres in size and has 50 miles of paths to explore. In addition to hills, forests, and rivers, it also boasts the incredible Hemlock Falls. If you’re up for a winter adventure, catch the falls in the winter for a really spectacular view. You won’t regret visiting this New Jersey waterfall!

7. Watchung Reservation Waterfall

Watchung Reservation Waterfall

The Watchung Reservation is the largest natural reserve in Union County, New Jersey.

©Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com

Located In:Union County
Nearby Destinations:Trailside Nature & Science Center
Animals to See:Northern cardinal, White-tailed deer, Painted turtle 

Hikers may explore almost 2,000 acres of beautiful woodland at Watchung Reservation. Its 10-mile-long Sierra Trail takes travelers past the reservation’s magnificent waterfall’s roaring wall of water. When you see it up close, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the nicest New Jersey waterfalls. You won’t be able to look away from this breathtaking beauty of a waterfall!

8. Hacklebarney State Park Waterfall

Hacklebarney State Park Waterfall

Hacklebarney State Park is a terrific place to spend the afternoon.

©Andrew F. Kazmierski/Shutterstock.com

Located In:Long Valley, NJ
Nearby Destinations:Riverside Trail
Animals to See:Black bears, Woodchucks, Deer

There are waterfalls of all sizes and varieties in Hacklebarney State Park. You may come across some small waterfalls that barely trickle on you to the incredible falls at Trout Brook. The Waterfall Trail, as the name suggests, takes tourists to the major falls. It is only a 0.1-mile walk from the 0.7-mile Main Trail or the 1.8-mile Riverside Trail. A “scenic viewpoint” located slightly downstream of the falls is the ideal viewing location. This is the perfect hike for the adventurer interested in seeing many different New Jersey waterfalls all in one day.

9. Dunnfield Creek Falls

Dunnfield Creek Falls

The Dunnfield Creek Trail leads to several minor waterfalls and a natural glacial lake.

©elenaphotoru/Shutterstock.com

Located In:Warren County
Nearby Destinations:Van Campens Glen Falls
Animals to See:Bald Eagles, Goldfinches

The flowing falls at Dunnfield Creek are some of the most relaxing ones to witness in person. This is especially true when you consider all of the wonderful bird species that you can see while approaching the falls. The forest birds leave you with an unforgettable song that leaves you feeling serene.

These beauties surge from a ravine into a lovely wading pool deep in Worthington State Forest, south of Van Campens Glen Falls. The Dunnfield Creek Trail spans the entire 3.5 miles, looping across the creek numerous times throughout each hike. The best time of year to see this beautiful New Jersey waterfall is during the spring.

10. Van Campens Glen Falls

Van Campens Glen Falls

The Van Campens Glen Trail is a short one-mile hike to the magnificent lower falls, which include a small rock beach to rest on.

©Andrew Reiss/Shutterstock.com

Located In:Hardwick Township, NJ
Nearby Destinations:Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Animals to See:Foxes, Coyote

The falls at Van Campens Glen are absolutely stunning. They are named after the Van Campens Brook, which flows through a ravine near the Delaware Water Gap. Many streams knead the rocks across the gorgeous woodland. Early morning visitors can often find quiet time and shady walks despite how popular the area can be. It’s all about showing up at the perfect time.

Summary of 10 Amazing Waterfalls in New Jersey State

Infographic of Amazing Waterfalls in New Jersey State
Paterson Great Falls and Van Campens Glen Falls are lovely waterfalls in New Jersey.

Here’s a recap of 10 wonderful waterfalls located in New Jersey that we took a look at.

NumberWaterfallLocation
1Paterson Great FallsPaterson
2Tillman FallsSussex County
3Buttermilk FallsLayton
4Chikahoki FallsBloomingdale
5Tinton FallsMonmouth County
6Hemlock FallsEssex County
7Watchung Reservation WaterfallUnion County
8Hacklebarney State Park WaterfallLong Valley
9Dunnfield Creek FallsWarren County
10Van Campens Glen FallsHardwick Township

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Claudio Soldi/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

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