The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring New Jersey’s Waterfalls

If you love exploring the Garden State, this is the perfect weekend trip for you. Go from waterfall to waterfall, stopping to eat and enjoy other nearby attractions and having the time of your life. I’ve done all the planning, so you can just relax and have fun. Of course, you can adjust the trip as you see fit by clicking the link below the map.

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Click here for interactive map. Day One: Breakfast Yelp/Joseph H. While you can grab breakfast anywhere, you definitely want to make sure to eat a nutritious meal before venturing out. There's going to be a bit of hiking today, so be prepared. Local dining options include the Blairstown Diner (pictured) and Gourmet Gallery. Day One: First Stop, Dunnfield Creek Flickr/Jim Lukach Your first stop is near Dunnfield Creek in Worthington State Forest, part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. While you could easily spend a full day exploring this scenic area of New Jersey, you'll only have to hike about 3/4 of a mile to get to these falls from the nearest parking area. Day One: Second Stop, Buttermilk Falls Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli Visiting this gorgeous spot (the tallest waterfall in the state) requires no hiking at all. There is a ground level viewing area along with an elevated platform and an interpretive display. Stay for just a bit, or hike to the nearby Silver Spray Falls, hidden about half a mile away. Day One: Lunch Facebook/Pizza Station Oak Ridge You'll be driving along Route 23 to your next destination, so there are plenty of dining options. Pizza is a perfect choice for lunch, and doesn't this pie from Pizza Station in Oak Ridge look amazing? Day One: Third Stop, Ramapo Falls Flickr/Bruce Faling A moderate 4-mile hike at Ramapo Valley County Reservation will take you past a lovely lake, the Ramapo River, unique ruins, a scenic overlook and, of course, the falls. For directions, visit NJUrbanForest.com Day One: Dinner Yelp/Sangria There are plenty of places to eat dinner, so pick something that meets your needs. Sangria, pictured, is a great spot for tapas. For more casual dining, try Boom Burger. Day One: Where To Stay TripAdvisor/Hampton Inn There are plenty of hotels nearby, in the town of Mahwah. Hampton Inn & Suites is one top-rated option. Day Two: Breakfast Facebook/Themis M. In true Jersey style, head to a nearby diner for breakfast. One option is the State Line Diner. Day Two: First Stop, Great Falls Wikipedia/Merle9999 Start your morning at the stunning Great Falls. Take a little time and be sure to cross the footbridge right in front of the falls for fantastic views. This is probably the most impressive waterfall in the Garden State, and it's certainly the most powerful by volume. Day Two: Stop Two, Little Falls Flickr/Doug Kerr Just a few miles away from the Great Falls lies a stunning man-made waterfall, near where an natural waterfall once stood. The falls are hidden away in the Morris Canal Preserve, not even visible on most maps. You'll see a small sign near the Little Falls Methodist Church on Main Street. I've been here many times and it's never been too crowded. Day Two: Lunch Facebook/McLoone's Boathouse Eat where you'd like, of course, but I highly recommend McLoone's Boathouse. This beautiful waterfront restaurant has an amazing atmosphere and is convenient to your last stop. They've got an inventive menu with options like Buffalo Chicken Wontons, a Crab & Avocado Tower and a Filet Mignon BLT. Day Two: Stop Three, Hemlock Falls Flickr/The Turducken You'll find these falls at the South Mountain Reservation, located in South Orange. This park provides spectacular views of New York City and is adjacent to the fun-filled Turtle Back Zoo. Hemlock Falls are easy to find, and just under a mile from the Tulip Springs parking area. For a map, click here. After a hike, you can head home or extend your trip by visiting the zoo or adjacent ziplining course.

If you’d rather see stunning waterfalls with no hiking required, check out this list.