You may think of the New Jersey shore and the Atlantic City boardwalk when you hear the name, but this state is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the East Coast.
Waterfalls in New Jersey are classified based on their geometric shapes and the volume of water they carry at the drop. Here are a few of our favorite waterfalls to visit in the Garden State.
The falls of Van Campen Glen gleam in the early morning, a sight that can lift the spirits even when all else is gray and depressing. Originating from the Van Campens Brook, these cascades gush through a ravine on the Delaware Water Gap.
This waterfall is located on the side of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is a good option for a hike. However, the government authorities prohibit swimming or wading in the large pool at the end of the fall.
Hikers should be aware that this trail is rocky and can get quite slippery in rainy conditions. So, wear the right footwear and take extra care while hiking to Van Campen Glen Falls.
Laurel Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Jersey. It is located just south of Van Campen Glen and it flows through three different cascades making it a must see waterfall in the state.
Located in the Worthington State Forest, Laurel Falls is the perfect place to take a quick dip and soak up nature's beauty. This series of 3 falls is the climax of Sunfish Creek's short but eventful journey from Sunfish Pond to the Delaware River.
The best time to visit this beautiful waterfall is in the spring. The water levels are high and the weather is generally warm which makes it ideal for hiking.
A paved trail leads to the base of this waterfall from Old Mine Road. To get the most out of your hike, plan to arrive early.
The roaring water of Paterson Great Falls tumbles over the Passaic River, forming one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country. It makes an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer vacation in New Jersey.
As a National Park Service unit, Paterson Great Falls is open to visitors for self-guided outdoor activities and tours. View the Falls from Overlook Park on the south or Mary Ellen Kramer Park on the north, or tour the Historic District.
Paterson Great Falls is also home to many mills, which served as the base for a number of industries that changed America. From cotton and silk for clothing to locomotives and aircraft engines, these factories made Paterson the center of American industry.
The city’s industrial history is a fascinating one. Immigrant workers staged numerous strikes during this time period, which helped to shape America’s labor movement.
New Jersey is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders, from beaches to mountains to farmlands to forests. And there’s no shortage of waterfalls here, too.
If you’re looking for a waterfall that’s easy to access but is still full of stunning beauty, look no further than Ramapo Falls in Mahwah. Set on the 4,000-acre Ramapo Valley County Reservation, this waterfall is an especially popular spot for local hikers and nature lovers.
The tumbling waterfalls here are especially beautiful during the spring or after a heavy rainstorm when they are gushing with water. If you’re planning on a visit, make sure to get there early. It’s a popular place, so you may have to wait to find a parking spot.
