New Jersey is home to at least four Buttermilk Falls. The most well known of which is the 130 foot waterfall in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Likely second in notoriety to that waterfall, is the significantly smaller 14.4 foot tall waterfall and swimming hole at India Brook Park in Mendham. This waterfall is pretty short. However, it is clear why it is so popular for swimming thanks to the large pool directly below the falls. Reaching the waterfall requires just a short hike from the parking lot. This is perfect for those wanting a quick and easy waterfall to visit.

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The Quick Access

For those looking for quick and easy access to the waterfall, the best place to start is the upper parking lot. It is located at 97 Ironia Rd, Mendham Township, NJ 07945. This parking lot shares an entrance with the Randolph Regional Animal Shelter but is not far up the driveway at the shelter. From the parking lot, walk towards the soccer field. Walk next to the field towards the back where you will start the Yellow Trail. Soon after entering the woods, you will see an unmarked trail to the right. You can take this trail to reach the west side of Buttermilk Falls which does not offer a great view. You can also continue on the marked Yellow Trail until you reach a bridge crossing India Brook. After crossing the bridge, continue on the trail downstream until you reach the east side of Buttermilk Falls. There are some places to cross India Brook before reaching the bridge, which many people use during the summer months. These spots provide quicker access, but you may get wet. If you just want to see the waterfall, I recommend visiting on a colder day for less swimmers.

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The Longer Hike

For those wanting a longer hike, there are a few different options. The best longer option is by hiking up India Brook from the parking lot at 276 Mountainside Rd, Mendham Township, NJ 07945. From this parking area, it is only about a mile to Buttermilk Falls. Despite the relatively short length, the trail is in poor condition at times making it more challenging that in normally would be.

To start, cross Mountainside Road, and begin the White Trail. The trail is mostly flat with a gradual uphill climb as you hike up India Brook. The first half of the hike to the waterfall is in the worst shape. There are multiple fallen trees blocking the trail, and one short section has essentially eroded into India Brook. After 0.6 miles you cross India Brook. There used to be a wooden bridge at this point, but unfortunately it was washed away. The remains of the bridge can actually be seen downstream. The crossing is now achieved by rock-hopping with a rope to assist with balance. Once across, there is a pair of short wooden bridges over more wet areas. They are usable but are not in great shape.

After the water crossing, start the Yellow Trail as the White Trail turns right. The trail up to the waterfall from here is in much better shape. Take this for about a quarter mile until you reach Buttermilk Falls.

If you want to extend your hike after reaching the waterfall, there is a small abandoned building. The building is somewhat interesting if you are already hiking. However, it is not something to go out of your way for. To reach the building, continue on the Yellow Trail until you reach the Blue trail. The building is at this intersection. The basement is flooded. The main room seems okay, but I would be careful entering due to potential water damage.

After reaching either the abandoned building or Buttermilk Falls, I recommend returning to your car the way you came. Unfortunately, many of the other trails are muddy, overgrown, or both.

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Additional Information

• Buttermilk Falls is a popular swimming hole. I cannot find information on if swimming is technically allowed, but many people swim anyway. It is not deep enough to jump safely, but once again, people do it anyway
• There are multiple waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls in New Jersey. Other waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls are in Wayne, Bridgewater and Walpack
• Good trail maps are essentially non-existent for India Brook Park. If you just follow India Brook, it is easy enough to figure out where you are going.
• Waterfall heights are from the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey. Heights of waterfalls not listed by them are estimated and noted with an asterisk “*”