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Sussex County, NJ, Waterfall Hikes

Stokes State Forest – Branchville

This roughly 16,400-acre mountainous forest in the Kittatinny Mountains extends from the southwest portion of High Point State Park to the eastern side of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. There are 24 trails to choose from, with the 1-mile Stony Brook Trail passing by a waterfall. For this trail, park at the Kittle Field lot. In the southern part of the forest, the Tillman Ravine is another area worth exploring with older kids. This 2-mile loop passes by Tillman Falls, featuring long, meandering cascades and streams. You can find a step-by-step trail guide here. NOTE: A short drive from Stokes State Forest is Buttermilk Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Jersey. Its hiking trails aren't appropriate for little ones, but they would be great for older kids. 

RELATED: A Dozen Easy Hiking Trails in NJ for Families

Paterson Great Falls is located within a national park. Photo by Lisa Warden

Passaic County, NJ, Waterfall Hikes

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park – Paterson

This huge waterfall is a sight to behold. It's located in a national historical park, and the hike is a roughly 1.5-mile loop. There's a handy self-guided walking tour Mill Mile app to listen to while hitting the key sights. Suggested donation for entry into the park is $2 per adult. Since this is a national park, stop in to see a ranger so your kids can complete the workbook and earn a Junior Ranger badge! 

Morris County, NJ, Waterfall Hikes

Boonton Falls – Boonton

Boonton Falls is located in Grace Lord Park, which also houses playgrounds, hiking trails, and stone ruins. The best time to view the falls is in the early spring, which is when the water cascades peak. Park near the Makey Funeral Home just before the Rockaway River bridge on West Main Street to enter Grace Lord Park. Great directions for finding Boonton’s “Little Niagara” are available on the Mountain Lakes website. Read more about the town of Boonton here.

Schooley's Mountain – Long Valley

This is a short rock hike, about 2 miles in total, where you will see a beautiful gorge, a waterfall, and a valley vista. If you just wanted to hike to the waterfalls and back, it would only be a mile. This is a very scenic and shady hike, and there are portable bathrooms in the lot. For detailed instructions on the hike, see here. If you have older kids, check out the nearby and stunning Hacklebarney State Park for a fairly easy but longer waterfall hike (about 4 miles).

Essex County, NJ, Waterfall Hikes

South Mountain Reservation – West Orange

Hemlock Falls is a 25-foot waterfall that's especially beautiful after rainfall. You can try the 5.5-mile trail with older children, but there are several ways to approach it that even preschoolers can handle. Check out our review for some tips. Note that if you do the longer hike, the trail is said to be not as well marked, so be sure to bring a map if you want to find the falls.

Somerset County, NJ, Waterfall Hikes

Washington Valley Park – Bridgewater/Bound Brook 

Washington Valley Park may not look like much more than a hidden driveway from the roadside, but take the yellow trail from the parking lot on Gilbride Road, and a whole new world unfolds. You'll need to cross the street, turn left, and about 50 feet ahead is the start of the yellow trail through the forest. It won't be long before you'll come across the Buttermilk Falls (not to be confused with the Buttermilk Falls in Sussex County) at the East Branch Reservoir. Continue along the 2-mile trail and you'll find a hawk-viewing spot. This short hike is appropriate for older kids.

Duke Farms – Hillsborough

You're in for a treat if you've never been to Duke Farms. This free, private, meticulously kept park has 18 miles of walking trails, including one that leads to the Great Falls by the Duke Reservoir. The trail is paved and stroller-friendly, and just a 30-45-minute walk from the parking lot. The tiered, man-made waterfall is set to go off four times a day for 10 minutes at a clip, so check the daily schedule at the front desk. Some single-stall bathrooms and picnic areas are located near the falls. Bonus: There's a cute cafe, a reading nook for kids, and nice bathrooms in the beautiful Visitors Orientation Center. 

Hunterdon County, NJ, Waterfall Hikes

Tumble Falls – Between Stockton and Frenchtown 

These falls are best visited in the spring after a rain. It consists of two falls, one of which you can see from Route 29.  Crashing down sandstone cliffs at least 20-30 feet tall, you can see more of the waterfall from the road if you venture up the creek a little ways (but be careful, it is slippery!). For the actual moderately difficult 3-mile loop hike, you have to venture over to the Pennsylvania side in Dingman's Ferry. Start at the Poconos Environmental Education Center located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This is a gorgeous area, the environmental center has an avian checklist your kids can use, and many educational displays, as well as clean bathrooms. And while in the area, check out the Mommy Poppins Poconos Family Vacation Guide. 

Warren County, NJ, Waterfall Hikes

Van Campens Glen – Hardwick Township

This cascading waterfall walk along the water offers a cool and shady trail in summer, and since it is a short 1.6-mile out-and-back hike, it offers a lot of payoff for minimal effort! Although it is short, it may not be for toddlers, as the trail is very rocky (which kids love). With younger kids, I would avoid it in icy or wet weather as the rocks are slippery! For detailed hike instructions, see here.