Hike Buttermilk Falls — New Jersey in New Jersey

What to bring

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TL;DR: Buttermilk Falls is New Jersey’s tallest waterfall at over 200 feet, reachable on a short trail that most hikers find easy to moderate and genuinely beginner-friendly. The main falls are impressive. The Fairy Trail extension adds a magical side loop through a moss-covered gorge. Parking fills completely by 10:30 AM on weekends — arrive at sunrise for the best experience.

What to Expect on the Trail

Buttermilk Falls drops over 200 feet in a series of cascades through a rock gorge in the Delaware Water Gap region. The main trail to the falls is short, well-maintained, and accessible to most hikers. The falls themselves are dramatic enough to justify the drive from anywhere in New Jersey — a multi-tiered cascade that fills the gorge with mist and sound.

The Fairy Trail extension adds a side loop through a moss-covered section of the gorge that hikers describe with genuine enthusiasm. Mossy boulders, fern-covered walls, and filtered light through the canopy create an atmosphere that earns the name. The Fairy Trail adds about a mile and minimal elevation to the main hike but transforms the experience from a waterfall visit into a genuine gorge exploration.

Most hikers finish the full visit in 2.5 to 3 hours including time at the falls and the Fairy Trail. Extending to the abandoned mine area adds another hour for hikers who want more distance.

How Hard Is This Trail, Really?

Most hikers find it easy to moderate and genuinely beginner-friendly. A few experienced hikers consider it too easy to warrant the official moderate rating. The terrain near the falls requires attention — wet rocks, uneven steps — but nothing that demands scrambling or technical ability. This is an excellent first waterfall hike for families or beginning hikers.

Before You Go

Buttermilk Falls is off Mountain Road in the Walpack Valley area of northwestern New Jersey. Free parking. No restrooms. Cell coverage is spotty — download the trail map offline before leaving home. Parking fills completely by 10:30 AM on weekends. Arrive at sunrise for the best combination of empty trails, good light on the falls, and guaranteed parking. Dogs are allowed on leash and splash in the creek at the base. The drive from NYC is about 75 minutes. Combine with Stairway to Heaven or High Point for a full day of NJ hiking.

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