Description

Buttermilk Falls in Mendham is one of at least four waterfalls of the same name in New Jersey. The other waterfalls include one in Walpack, one in Bridgewater, and one in Wayne.

Buttermilk Falls is a small waterfall cascading into a large pool. The pool is a popular swimming hole in the summer, although swimming is not permitted.

Directions

There are multiple access points to the falls, the closest being from the parking area at 97 Ironia Rd, Mendham Township, NJ 07945.

1. From the parking area walk towards the back of the large grass field.
2. At the back of the field locate the Yellow Trail which quickly brings you to India Brook.
3. At India Brook you will see a sign pointing right towards the waterfall and left towards a bridge.
4. While a right turn does take you to the waterfall, the view is far better from the other side. It is possible to cross India Brook below the waterfall if desired by careful stepping over exposed rocks.
5. If you prefer the bridge, follow the Yellow Trail until you reach the bridge then cross it.
6. Follow the Yellow Trail downstream until you reach the waterfall.

Access and Restrictions

There have been multiple reports that Buttermilk Falls is closed, including in our dedicated post on hiking the larger park. During the most recent visit on May 26, 2026, the park was open, and multiple emergency no-parking signs were posted along Ironia Road and the driveway to the parking area. The parking area was open and could hold a decent number of cars. Based on the amount of signage, do not even think about parking on the shoulder unless you are okay with risking a parking ticket.

It appears that the township is trying to keep the property open without getting dangerously overcrowded. Swimming is prohibited, and the waterfall is likely one accident away from a more permanent closure.

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