How much of a hike is it to the waterfall? Can you get into or behind the fall itself?

Howard Levy | Sep 27, 2018 | Category: Park

South Mountain Reservation - All questions

Address: Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA

Ruben Sanchez | Sep 27, 2018

Depending on which parking lot you park your car. From the nearest parking space is like 3 mintutes walking with no hills, all flat.

Antonio Kuilan | Sep 27, 2018

Hi Howard! If you want to get there FAST, take 510, open Google maps, and drive slowly until you see the falls across road from you (it's on Google maps). You can pull over in a parking grooves on sides of road (not marked, but covered in gravel), and then hike down. You'll reach it in 5 mins. If you are hiking, it really depends from which hiking trail you're coming from. So, I will tell you from the only trails I use. I park in the Locust Grove Parking lot via Glen Ave (across from train station). I'll enter the yellow trail on right which take you to falls, then to white trail, which takes you back to lot. About 1 hour to reach falls via this method (varies on your hike speed). Don't expect spectacular water falls; it's relatively small. If you visit on a super hot day that was preceded by dry days, the falls will appear barren. Best to visit after a day or 2 after a rain...falls will look like mini-niagra falls. Can u get in it or behind it? Sure you can, but why would you?

Steve Mershon | Sep 26, 2020

For the shortest hike, go to the Falls Parking Lot on highway 510 (South Orange Ave) heading east through the Reservation. You can search for this parking lot on google maps for its precise location. From this parking lot, head inland on the Lenape Trail a short distance, then turn left where it intersects another trail that follows along a stream. Follow this trail to the end, where the falls are. For a longer, more interesting hike, take highway 510 to the intersection with Crest Drive on the top of the mountain. Turn onto Crest Drive and park immediately in the small lot on the right. Follow the trail there that parallels hwy 510 heading west. After a downhill stretch (including some steps), the trail will level out and come to a T intersection. Turn right, cross a stream, and turn right again to follow alongside the stream until you reach the falls. Hemlock Falls is at its impressive best after a rainy period. It can slow to a trickle during dry spells.

Brooke Smith | Sep 26, 2021

Is it ok for 2 teen girls to go by themselves after 7pm

Rick Eustaquio | Sep 27, 2018

About 30 min going slow.

Just Me | Sep 27, 2018

Its depends. I when by summer and it was dry

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