Quick answer: Hemlock Falls is a roughly 25-foot (7.5 m) waterfall in South Mountain Reservation, Essex County, New Jersey, about 20 miles from Manhattan. The shortest route is a lollipop loop of about 1.6–1.7 miles with around 300 ft of elevation gain, starting from the Tulip Springs parking area and following the yellow-blazed Lenape Trail and the Hemlock Falls Loop. Allow about an hour, wear shoes with good grip, and visit after rain for the best flow.
Hemlock Falls hike at a glance
| Location | South Mountain Reservation (Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, NJ) |
| Waterfall height | About 25 ft |
| Shortest route | ~1.6–1.7 mile lollipop loop from Tulip Springs |
| Elevation gain | About 300 ft |
| Time | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; rocky, rooty and slippery in places |
| Trails | Lenape Trail (yellow), Hemlock Falls Loop (red dot on white), Openwood Trail |
| Best time | Spring and after heavy rain for flow; autumn for colour; winter for ice |
| Fee | Free |
About South Mountain Reservation
South Mountain Reservation is a 2,110-acre Essex County park between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountains, spread across Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange and bordering South Orange. It was designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm and has miles of hiking trails and carriage roads, as well as the Turtle Back Zoo and the popular Fairy Trail. Hemlock Falls tumbles down a rocky gorge inside the reservation. For more trails in the park, see our South Mountain Reservation hiking guide. Source: Essex County Parks.
How to get to Hemlock Falls
Route 1: Short loop from Tulip Springs (about 1.6–1.7 miles)
This is the quickest way to the falls and the route most local guides recommend, including the Take a Hike trail guide.
- From the Tulip Springs parking area, pick up the yellow-blazed Lenape Trail heading uphill into the woods.
- Follow the Lenape Trail for roughly half a mile, then join the Hemlock Falls Loop (red dot on a white circle).
- Descend toward the brook; the path drops more steeply here, with a few hairpin turns and rocky footing.
- Cross the stone footbridge, where you can also see the smaller Hobble Falls, and continue to the viewing area and stone staircase beside Hemlock Falls.
- Climb the stone stairs and loop back to the Lenape Trail, crossing the Openwood Trail woods road, then return the way you came.
Route 2: Longer hike from Locust Grove
Many hikers start from the Locust Grove parking area on the Millburn side, close to Millburn station, and follow the yellow Lenape Trail along the Rahway River before climbing to the falls. It’s a longer and more varied outing (expect around 3 miles or more round trip, depending on the route) and easy to reach by train from New York. Essex County closed the Locust Grove lot and the Fairy Trail for construction in July 2026, so check the county’s parks page for the latest status before you go.
Getting there by public transport
NJ Transit trains on the Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch stop at Millburn and South Orange. From Millburn station it’s a short walk to the Locust Grove area and the Lenape Trail.
Trail conditions and difficulty
The hike is short, but it isn’t a paved path. Expect:
- Rocky and rooty sections, especially near the falls
- Steep, uneven stone steps beside the waterfall
- A brook crossing that can be slippery or hard to cross after heavy rain
- Ice on the steps and the cliffs opposite the falls in winter
Trails in the reservation are not always well marked, so download a map before you go. The Lenape Trail map is free online, and the South Mountain Conservancy sells a waterproof map and trail guide.
Best time to visit
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring | Strongest flow after snowmelt and rain; fresh green woods |
| Summer | Shady and cooler than open trails; flow can be low in dry spells |
| Autumn | Beautiful foliage around the gorge; good flow after storms |
| Winter | Frozen falls and icicles; microspikes recommended on icy days |
For the most impressive waterfall, go a day or two after heavy rain. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Tips for your visit
- Wear hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip, not sandals.
- Bring water and a snack; there are no facilities at the falls.
- Use microspikes in winter; the stone steps get icy.
- Keep to the trails and stay off the rocks at the top of the falls.
- Dogs are popular on these trails; keep them on a lead and pick up after them, following the county’s posted rules.
- Combine your hike with a visit to the Turtle Back Zoo or the reservation’s other trails for a full day out.
Leave No Trace
Hemlock Falls is popular and easy to damage. Pack out all rubbish, stay on marked paths to protect the slopes around the gorge, don’t carve or move rocks, and leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy.
More waterfalls and hikes nearby
- Hobble Falls, the smaller cascade visible from the stone footbridge on the same hike
- The Lenape Trail, which continues through the reservation for longer walks
- Best Hikes on the East Coast of the USA
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Hemlock Falls?
About 25 feet.
How long is the hike to Hemlock Falls?
The shortest loop from Tulip Springs is about 1.6–1.7 miles round trip with around 300 ft of climbing. Starting from Locust Grove makes it about 3 miles or more.
Is Hemlock Falls good for kids?
Yes, for children used to walking on uneven ground. Hold small children’s hands near the steep steps and the brook.
Can you swim at Hemlock Falls?
It isn’t a swimming spot: the pool at the base is shallow and rocky. Enjoy the falls from the trail and follow any posted park rules.
Are dogs allowed at Hemlock Falls?
Leashed dogs are commonly seen on the trails. Check Essex County’s current rules before you go.
Is there parking at Hemlock Falls?
There’s no lot at the falls themselves. Use the Tulip Springs area for the shortest route, or Locust Grove for the longer hike from Millburn.
Keep reading
- Best Hikes on the East Coast of the USA
- Hiking guide
- South Mountain Reservation Hiking Guide
- Best Waterfall Hikes Near New York City
Hi, I am Emam Hasan — founder and editor of BrokeMountain. I oversee this blog’s hiking, camping and outdoor gear guides, making sure every article is well-researched, accurate and genuinely helpful for your time on the trail. Enjoy it!
