Schooley’s Mountain is a county park located in Long Valley. The park is home to 7 miles of multi-use trails, but the highlight is a quick 1.5-mile loop featuring two waterfalls along Electric Brook. While neither waterfall is particularly tall, the gorge they are in makes them appear larger than in reality, and they are significantly better than many similarly sized waterfalls. With easy access, plus a trail that also includes an overlook and a scenic lake, Schooley’s Mountain is a great place to spend an hour or two.
Schooley’s Mountain County Park
Other Attractions: All noteworthy attractions are along the waterfall trail as described below
Lower Schooley’s Falls
Height: 23.5 feet
Waterfall Coordinates: 40.79592, -74.78220
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip. (This can be shortened to a mile by just going to the waterfall and back)
Ease of Access: Moderate
Rating:
Explore North Jersey Review: Worthwhile stop on a hiking trail that packs a lot in along a short distance
Upper Schooley’s Falls
Height: 17.4
Waterfall Coordinates: 40.79605, -74.7825
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip. (This can be shortened to a mile by just going to the waterfall and back)
Ease of Access: Moderate
Rating:
Verdict: Worthwhile stop on a hiking trail that packs a lot in along a short distance
Visiting the waterfalls at Schooley’s Mountain only requires a short 1.5-mile hike. Despite the short length, the sections along Electric Brook are moderately challenging due to the many rocks and a few challenging, short but steep sections. For this reason, I recommend taking the trail clockwise, meaning you hike up Electric Brook, which is significantly easier. This also means will see the waterfalls closer to the end of the hike. Those wanting a shorter hike can hike directly to the waterfall, but a few of the steeper sections are more difficult this way.
From the large parking area, find the co-blazed Teal Highlands Trail and White Patriots Path Trail near the restroom building. Take the trail, which soon makes a right as the Yellow Trail begins straight ahead. Continue on the Teal Highlands Trail and White Patriots Path Trail until you reach the Blue Trail on the right and a small information kiosk. From here, you can take the Blue Trail down to the waterfalls, but there is a good overlook mere feet ahead that is worth checking out. This overlook towers over Long Valley and provides a good view of the town and the surrounding farmland.
From the overlook, return to the intersection with the Blue Trail. Begin the descent on this trail down to Electric Brook, where you will very quickly reach the waterfalls. Both waterfalls are extremely close together, but there is a pool of water separating them. Some people may consider this one waterfall, but the pool distinctly separates the two, so I consider them two different waterfalls. Each waterfall is extremely similar, at around 15 feet tall. At each waterfall are numerous places for you to cross into Electric Brook and get the best possible views.
From the waterfalls, continue hiking the Blue Trail until you reach George Lake, a small pond. Along the way you will see a small cascade created by the dam spillway for George Lake. It is nice, but nothing compared to the main falls. At the lake, you can either continue straight until you reach the parking area, or cross the dam which will bring you to a floating bridge over the lake.
GPS Route
Attached is the route as described above for reference. Additionally users can download the route to use on their preferred GPS.
Additional Information
- There are many options to extend your hike if desired. The waterfall trail is by far the highlight of the park though
- You start the hike on both the Highlands Trail and the Patriots Path Trail. The Highlands Trail stretches from the Delaware River to the Hudson River. The Patriots Path Trail stretches across Morris County.
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