Ideas for a day out
Where to see falling water in New Jersey, from a great city waterfall to quiet trout-stream gorges.
Photo: Librajon81, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
New Jersey's waterfalls are mostly in the north, where rivers come down off the Highlands and the Kittatinny Ridge. Most are modest, but they come with cool, mossy ravines that make perfect summer walks, and they are at their best in spring or after a few days of rain.
1State Park · Paterson, Passaic County
The big one. The Passaic River plunges into a narrow chasm in the middle of Paterson, with overlooks on both sides and a footbridge across the gorge. Best after a rainy spell.
Photo: Librajon81, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2State Natural Area · Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County
The South Branch of the Raritan rushes through a steep, wooded gorge, with a quiet road along one bank and the Columbia Trail high above on an old railroad bridge.
Photo: Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3State Park · Washington Township, Morris County
The Black River tumbles over boulders under hemlocks in a small, shady park that feels much wilder than its size. A good summer walk with children.
Photo: Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
4State Forest · Sandyston Township, Sussex County
Tillman Ravine, in the southern part of the forest, is a short walk down a hemlock-shaded brook with small cascades and pools.
5State Forest · Hardwick Township, Warren County
Dunnfield Creek drops through a series of small falls on its way to the Delaware at the Water Gap, along the start of the trail to Sunfish Pond.
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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