Hidden in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the little-known, but incredible Silver Spray Falls. Located on the lightly trafficked Mountain Road in the ghost town of Walpack, this waterfall can only be found by those who know where to look. The waterfall is often referred to as Hidden Falls, a fitting name as many people unknowingly drive past it on the way to the significantly more well-known Buttermilk Falls. A short hike takes you to the very impressive 47-foot waterfall.

Background

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a large National Park located along the Delaware River in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In New Jersey, the park stretches from the area of Interstate 80 where it crosses the Delaware River north nearly to the New York border. The park is best known for the Delaware Water Gap itself, a large geologic formation where the Delaware River cuts through the Kittatinny Mountains, forming Mount Minsi in Pennsylvania and Mount Tammany in New Jersey. The park is most popular for hiking and water activities on the Delaware River. Scattered throughout the park are a series of excellent waterfalls, including Silver Spray Falls.

The National Recreation Area was created after the proposed damming of the Delaware River at Tocks Island, a small island upstream of the Delaware Water Gap itself. The dam would have flooded the valley, which resulted in the federal government forcing residents out through eminent domain. About 15,000 residents were relocated, and many buildings were demolished. As you drive through the park, you will see many buildings that were abandoned when the government bought the land.

Silver Spray Falls is located in Walpack, one of the many communities affected by the proposed Tocks Island Dam. As of the 2020 census, Walpack has a population of just seven, down from an estimated high of 417 in 1977. Walpack was a farming community, which is evidenced by the many treeless clearings you see while driving along Mountain Road. While many of the buildings have been demolished, a small historical district remains in Walpack Center. More information about the remaining buildings can be found on the park website. Walpack Center used to be easily accessible from Silver Spray Falls, but a 2023 vehicle crash damaged the small bridge connecting the two locations.

Finding the Trailhead

Arguably, the hardest part of getting to Silver Spray Falls is finding the trail itself. Silver Spray Falls is located on the low-traffic Mountain Road, which can be difficult to get to due to a series of long-term road closures. As of 2025, and likely into the foreseeable future, the only way to get to Mountain Road is by taking Route 206 to Struble Road, then taking it for 5 miles until you reach the Walpack Cemetery. At the cemetery, turn left onto Mountain Road, which quickly turns into a limited-maintenance dirt road. The road is in poor condition, but should be passable for most cars if they drive cautiously. After about 1.5 miles, the trailhead and single-car parking area will be on the left. There is no sign designating the trailhead, and it is easy to miss. I recommend saving the location on your GPS before going. The parking coordinates are 41.140613, -74.881297. Alternatively, you can park at the much larger Buttermilk Falls parking area half a mile up the road and walk along the road back.

The trail itself starts in the back of the parking area. The beginning of the trail is slightly overgrown, and it can be hard to see. Fortunately, the trail becomes clearer once you begin the hike.

The Hike

The hike to the waterfall is relatively straightforward. Simply follow the thin, but obvious trail into the woods. After a tenth of a mile, you will reach a fork where the trail either continues straight, crossing a small stream, or turns right, heading upstream. I recommend crossing here as it is easier, but the trails do rejoin shortly. From there, continue forward until you reach the end of the trail at the large Silver Spray Falls.

Silver Spray Falls (Hidden Falls)

Silver Spray Falls is easily one of the best waterfalls in New Jersey. The waterfall drops nearly 47 feet, but appears to fall an even higher drop due to the cliffs surrounding it. There is a small area at the base to view the waterfall head-on, providing an excellent view of the falls. Silver Spray Falls is typically very quiet, as most people do not know it exists, making it an excellent alternative to other waterfall destinations.

From the waterfall, simply return to your car the way you came.

GPS Route

Bonus Waterfalls

Mountain Road is home to a couple of additional roadside waterfalls that are worth checking out since you are already in the area

If you continue driving up the road, you can visit the 130-foot Buttermilk Falls

If you drive past Buttermilk Falls, there is an additional little-known pair of waterfalls. Unfortunately, both waterfalls are seasonal and only visible after significant rainfall, typically in the spring. The waterfalls are located above and below a small bridge at 41.131796, -74.898042. Just past the bridge, there is a small parking area next to an abandoned building. Alternatively, since virtually no one continues past Buttermilk Falls, you can often pull off the road temporarily.

Mountain Road Waterfall (Upper)

The first waterfall is located above the bridge, and to the left. The waterfall falls down a flat, nearly vertical slide before turning to the side to make its way over the bridge. On the left side and above the waterfall are the remains of a stone wall. Unfortunately, this waterfall dries up quickly and is often difficult to see due to overgrowth. On my last visit in early July, it was dry despite Silver Spray Falls flowing well and receiving rain recently.

Mountain Road Waterfall (Lower)

The second waterfall is located just below the bridge. You can see the waterfall by standing on the bridge and looking down. This waterfall is more interesting than the upper waterfall, as it cascades down a series of small natural steps. As with the upper waterfall, this waterfall dries up quickly. There is no trail to the bottom of the waterfall, but it is only a short bushwhack.

Mountain Road is closed about a mile up the road due to a long-term road closure, so return the way you came.

Additional Information

• Mountain Road is closed during the winter.
• Google Maps incorrectly lists Mountain Road as closed at all times, leading to incorrect GPS directions. Use the directions listed above.
  • Upon exit, Google Maps often guides you onto the rough Brook Road. Simply return the same direction you arrived