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Nature|Waterfalls

This New Jersey Waterfall Is So Hidden, Almost Nobody Has Seen It In Person

Silver Spray Falls, a hidden and hard-to-find waterfall in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, offers a secluded and beautiful hiking experience.

Published Mar 11, 2022

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an enormous area of trails, streams, mountain ridgelines, and hidden treasures. One such treasure, Silver Spray Falls, is tucked away in the forest, with no clear trail. In fact, it's so hard to find that locals have nicknamed it "Hidden Falls". You may be surprised to realize that Silver Spray Falls is located close to Buttermilk Falls, one of New Jersey's most-visited and most accessible waterfalls. Unlike Buttermilk, though, you won't find a large crowd here any time of year.

Silver Spray Falls may be the most beautiful cascade in New Jersey - but it's difficult to get to and not many hikers have made the arduous trek.

A serene waterfall cascades over moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush green foliage in a tranquil forest setting.
Google Local / Violet Karyn

The easiest way to find the trailhead - or lack of one, truly - is by parking at Buttermilk Falls and walking up Mountain Road.

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Lush green wetland with tall grasses, scattered trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.
Googe Local / Alan Semon

There's a small pull-off on the shoulder of the road about half a mile from the main lot, and that's where you'll find the pathway to Silver Spray Falls. Look for a small stone wall, and be sure to keep track of where you're walking so you don't get lost.

The short but unmarked trail can be hard to find and harder to follow. Your best bet is to listen for the sound of water - and follow Flat Creek!

A serene forest scene with a flowing stream and a small waterfall, surrounded by tall trees and dappled sunlight.
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli

The hemlock grove that surrounds the creek is often overgrown, and there are no marked trails to show you where to go.

Sunlight filters through tall trees in a lush forest, casting shadows on the forest floor covered with fallen leaves.
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli

You'll have to cross Flat Creek at some point - be sure to evaluate the best spot for a crossing carefully. In the early springtime, it can be too high and fast to safely cross.

A serene waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery in a tranquil forest setting.
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli

Several smaller waterfalls will accompany you on your journey to the towering and beautiful Silver Spray Falls.

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A serene stream flows over moss-covered rocks, creating a tranquil natural scene.
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli

The best time to visit is on a warm winter day, or late spring through fall. If you do visit in winter, you'll enjoy the treat of a partially frozen waterfall, and you'll likely have the forest to yourself.

A frozen waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and icicles, cascading down rocky terrain.
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli

Have you found these Hidden Falls?

A serene stream flows through a forest, surrounded by trees and autumn foliage, with gentle water cascading over rocks.
Flickr / Nicholas A. Tonelli

There's no trail map to share for this one - your trailblazing and scouting skills will be put to the test!  The Delaware Water Gap website will keep you up to date on road closures and local conditions, though, so be sure to check it before you head out.

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Magnificent Waterfall In New Jersey That’s Located Only Minutes From Main Street

Not only is there a great hidden waterfall in NJ hiding in the town of Little Falls, but it's found in a quaint park with little walking.

Published Sep 12, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

New Jersey has some amazing waterfalls, most of them in our many parks and mountains. A day trip to explore these amazing cascades is always worth it - but sometimes there's just no time for that! So what happens when you need the calming effect of a waterfall, but you don't have time to head to the biggest? Well, we discovered an incredible hidden waterfall in NJ waiting in the town of Little Falls - and it's surprisingly close to the town center! Found in a small park known as the Morris Canal Preserve, it's part of the Morris Canal Greenway - a still-under-construction trail that will ultimately connect four New Jersey counties over a whopping 111-mile stretch. It's still far from that goal, but this incredible waterfall is only one of the charming surprises you can see along the way. Read on to discover this hidden gem!

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To find New Jersey's best-hidden waterfall, just look for the archway reading "Morris Canal Preserve" - it's well-hidden, but it's your pathway to serenity.

Sign for Morris Canal Preserve with a staircase and greenery in the background. A person is walking down the stairs.
Burt Shoobs/Google Local

Inside, you'll find a small and rarely crowded park that's filled with nice shady spots for a hot day.

A park scene featuring a grassy area with trees, benches, and a path leading into a wooded area.
PR/AllTrails

Even when you go off the beaten path, the trails are pretty easy to navigate - so just follow them until you get to the water.

A wooden bridge leads over a small path surrounded by lush green foliage and trees.
PR AllTrails

It's a 0.2-mile walk along the Passaic River past some impressive old buildings before you reach your destination...

Historic stone building by a river, with clear blue skies and greenery along the water's edge.
Ricardo Monte/AllTrails

This is one of the smaller waterfalls in New Jersey, but it has powerful rushing water especially after a rainstorm.

A serene river scene with a waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and a bridge in the background under a blue sky.
Jenny Lai/AllTrails

It's a beautifully serene spot, and because it's hidden in plain sight, you'll rarely have too many people joining you - it's easy to get a great photo.

A waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush green trees and reflecting in the calm water below.
Ricardo Monte/AllTrails

The entry to the preserve is right across the street from the Valley National Bank on main street, which makes it easy to locate if you know what you're looking for.

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A small free library box on a post beside a picnic table in a green park area surrounded by trees and bushes.
PR/AllTrails

Have you visited this hidden waterfall in NJ in the town of Little Falls? What are your favorite spots along the Morris Canal Greenway? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section! If you want to learn more about the past, present, and future of the Morris Canal Greenway, check out the official website. There's more to do in Little Falls than just this spot, too - it's an amazing historic day trip. And if you're looking for a place to stay in the area, we recommend the DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel & Suites Fairfield - it's only a ten-minute drive away.

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Stunning Top-Secret Waterfall in New Jersey Nobody’s Ever Heard of

The most secret waterfall in New Jersey, Kugler Falls is located close to the Pennsylvania border and is a worthy adventure to reach!

Published Sep 10, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

For a small and highly urban state, New Jersey has some amazing Garden State Waterfalls. Yet, for all the cascades everyone knows, there are some much better-hidden ones. These are the ones hiding in little-known state parks, that require a challenging hike to reach. Your reward? One of the best views in New Jersey. If you're up for the challenge, there's one of these secret waterfalls in New Jersey only minutes from the Pennsylvania border. The Kugler Woods Preserve, found in Stockton, is home to the Kugler Woods Preserve Trail, which leads you to the little-known Kugler Falls. This trail is less than half a mile, but it'll test you along the way. Read on to discover your next great waterfall adventure!

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A peaceful park scene with a person sitting on a bench, surrounded by green trees and two bicycles nearby.
Mike User/AllTrails

Kugler Woods Preserve is one of the most peaceful spots in New Jersey, a little nature preserve run by the Hunterdon Land Trust. It's a great spot to spend the day - but if you're up for it, there's a challenge awaiting with a great reward at the end.

A rocky creek bed surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight filtering through the foliage.
Heath G/AllTrails

The Kugler Woods Preserve Trail is only 0.4 miles, but this woodlands trail is rated moderate and is rarely very busy. You should bring good hiking boots and be prepared for some seriously uneven terrain.

A rocky creek surrounded by lush green trees and steep, moss-covered banks in a serene forest setting.
Shaun Williams/AllTrails

This trail includes bouldering and should only be attempted in good weather. You don't want slick boulders, but it's best to take this trail outside of dry seasons.

A serene waterfall cascading over rocky terrain, surrounded by dry leaves and trees in a natural setting.
Tamilyn Bee/AllTrails

That's because Kugler Falls, coming in at 12 feet, is only running when there's a sufficient waterflow. You'll want to come after a heavy rain, but once the area surrounding it has had a chance to dry off a bit.

A serene waterfall cascades over rocky terrain, surrounded by bare trees and a tranquil pool of water.
Khurtwilliams/Flickr

Your reward for this challenging journey is easily one of the most peaceful waterfalls in New Jersey. That it's so secret and is only running for some parts of the year makes it all the more special - like you're in on one of the Garden State's best little nature secrets.

Have you visited Kugler Falls in the Kugler Woods Preserve? Let us know about your visit to this secret waterfall in New Jersey in the comments section! You can see more photos of the trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails + for this journey - you'll want its point-by-point directions on your side as you navigate this challenging trail. If you'd like to bunk down for the night before trying this trail, we found a great vacation home rental in Stockton.

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