Hiking the Scenic Tillman Ravine

Tucked away down the twisty back roads of Sussex County is the hidden Tillman Ravine. Tillman Ravine is part of the larger Stokes State Forest. Hikers are greeted with a scenic hike through a hemlock forest. It features a handful of small waterfalls along Tillman Brook. Tillman Ravine is virtually untouched by humans, providing one of the only truly natural areas remaining in New Jersey. Continue reading to learn how to get to this hidden gem.

Background

Tillman Ravine is a 517-acre natural area located on the southern end of Stokes State Forest. Tillman Ravine is a designated natural area, indicating it offers one of the most pristine areas in all of New Jersey, remaining relatively undisturbed by human activity. Hikers are greeted with a scenic hemlock forest with mountain laurel and rhododendrons through the ravine.

Tillman Ravine was formed from melting glacial water from the Wisconsin Glacier 18,000 years ago. The water eroded the ravine along a fracture — a weakened area of the bedrock caused by tectonic movement.

The Hike

From the lower parking area, begin on the obvious trail beginning to the left of the restroom building. The trail soon starts to work its way downhill gradually. You will likely hear the waterfall ahead. After a few hundred feet, you will reach Tillman Brook and the start of the Cemetery Trail which is a short optional hike to Walpack Cemetery. Here you will see Tea Cup Falls, the first waterfall of the hike.

Tea Cup Falls

Tea Cup Falls is the most well-known waterfall in Tillman Ravine and Stokes State Forest as a whole. The waterfall is a long, gradual slide down into a small pool resembling a teacup. The teacup shape is known as a pothole — a geological feature where swirling water with sand and small rocks eroded a circular hole in the bedrock. Near the bottom of the waterfall, a section of exposed rock splits the waterfall in two. It reconnects just before reaching the pool. This split gives Tea Cup Falls a lot of character and makes it one of the most unique waterfalls in the state.

Lower Tillman Falls

Just a few feet below Tea Cup Falls is another scenic waterfall in lower Tillman Falls. Unfortunately, this waterfall is significantly harder to view than Tea Cup Falls. Fortunately, a conveniently fallen tree stretches across the ravine. It allows a head-on view of the falls for those brave enough to climb on it. This tree is very sturdy; however, the drop below is almost 10 feet. Use caution if you do decide to cross. The waterfall is still visible for those who opt not to cross, but some rocks hinder the view.

Lower Tillman Falls is another scenic waterfall. As with Tea Cup Falls, it slides down the ravine with most water flowing to the left side. During times of high water, water falls down a nearly vertical drop on the front.

Tillman Ravine

From Lower Tillman Falls, return to the White Trail and begin to follow the trail along Tillman Brook. After about a quarter mile, you will see a sign. It designates the Upper Trail to the left. The Lower Trail is to the right. Turn right onto the lower trail. Here, the trail meanders through the ravine, crossing Tillman Brook via wooden bridges a few times. Continue through the area for a short distance until you reach the third and final waterfall of the ravine.

Upper Tillman Falls

Upper Tillman Falls is the final waterfall in Tillman Ravine and is, unfortunately, the least impressive. The waterfall is located slightly upstream of a wooden bridge and just before a set of steps. If you reach the steps, you have passed the waterfall. Unfortunately, many trees have fallen in front of the falls, preventing a clear view. Additionally, the area seems to be a mosquito breeding ground. If you decide to attempt to get closer to the waterfall, you will be bitten many times.

The waterfall is small already, so even when it is not blocked, the view is not too impressive. Fortunately, the hike through the ravine to the waterfall is enjoyable.

The Return Hike

From Upper Tillman Falls, continue on the White Trail up a set of steps and one final bridge. Keep going until you reach a sign pointing left to the lower parking area and right to the upper parking area. Turn left here and in a few hundred feet, make another left at an obvious T-intersection. Continue on this trail until you reach the sign you passed earlier for the upper and lower trails. Turn right after the sign to return to the parking area.

GPS Route

Additional Information

• The road to Tillman Ravine is closed about 1.5 miles from the waterfall in the winter. Visitors can still hike to the ravine during that time.
• The trail through Tillman Ravine is a double figure-eight. Fortunately the area is so small that it is difficult to get lost.