Hidden along the back roads of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is Buttermilk Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state at 130 feet. The waterfall itself can be seen from the parking lot itself, but visitors can climb to the top to get closer to the waterfall. Despite being a roadside waterfall, Buttermilk Falls is not easy to get to, and unless you are looking for it, you will never actually find it. Read on to learn how to reach Buttermilk Falls.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Other Attractions: Van Campens Glen, Catfish Fire Tower, Silver Spray Falls, Mount Tammany, Laurel Falls (technically in Worthington State Forest), Tillman Ravine (technically in Stokes State Forest)
Before you visit, note that the road to Buttermilk Falls is unpaved and in poor condition. If you decide the road is not passable, you can park at the Walpack Cemetery and hike along Mountain Road if you have a car with low ground clearance. Walpack Cemetery is about 2 miles from Buttermilk Falls. Alternatively, you can hike in from Haneys Mill Road, which is about 1.4 miles from the falls, but there is no easy way to drive to the falls if you change your mind here.
Additionally, there are multiple long-term bridge closures on some roads leading to Buttermilk Falls. You can only reach Buttermilk Falls by car from Struble Road off Route 206. From Route 206, follow the road for five miles (but it feels like more) until you reach a four-way intersection with the Walpack Cemetery on the left, just after the Tillman Ravine parking area. Turn left here and follow the road until you reach Buttermilk Falls. Do not worry if you miss this intersection; the road is closed just up ahead, and you will be forced to return to the cemetery.
It is only possible to drive up to the falls in the spring and through the fall. If you would like to visit in the winter, the best option is to park on Haneys Mill Road and hike in about 1.4 miles. More information on this hike can be found here.
Fortunately, if you decide to walk, Mountain Road is very low traffic and scenic.
Buttermilk Falls
Height: 130 feet
Waterfall Coordinates: 41.13700 -74.88908
Once you reach Buttermilk Falls, you are greeted with an extremely tall waterfall that disappears into the trees above. There is a set of steps to reach the top, with multiple observation platforms along the way. Despite this, the best view is actually from the base of the waterfall, which requires almost no effort to reach. The trail continues up past the top of the falls until it reaches the Appalachian Trail after a slightly over a mile. The trail after the waterfall is not too exciting, so those not looking for a longer hike should return the way they came.
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