MacMillan Falls: An Easy to Reach Winter Waterfall

MacMillan Falls is a scenic waterfall at Ramapo Valley County Reservation, and one of the best waterfalls in New Jersey to visit in the winter. The 20-foot waterfall becomes arguably more impressive in the winter, as the cascades freeze solid. At just over a half mile from the parking area with flat and easy terrain, this waterfall is accessible for hikers of nearly all ages and experience levels. Continue reading to learn more about this excellent winter waterfall hike to MacMillan Falls.

The Hike

The hike to MacMillan Falls is extremely easy and is just over a mile round-trip. Most of the trail is completely flat on a wide woods road except for a set of stone steps just before the waterfall. For these reasons, this is a perfect waterfall to visit during colder months.

Hike Description

Begin in the large parking area off of Ramapo Valley Road. Ramapo Valley County Reservation is a very popular park, and in the summer, this parking area often fills on weekends and holidays. You will likely have no issue finding parking in the winter, but expect to see other visitors as the park is still popular.

From the parking area, find the park directory and begin walking on the obvious Yellow and Black Trail. You will take a set of steps down before reaching a very wide woods road. Take the road, remaining on the Yellow and Black Trail to where you will cross the Ramapo River via a wide bridge.

After the bridge continue on the Yellow and Black Trail where you will see the popular Scarlett Oak Pond.

At the end of the pond you will reach an intersection with the Yellow Trail. Turn left at this intersection to begin another wide trail. Remain on this trail for a few hundred feet until you reach a wooden footbridge over MacMillan Brook.

After crossing the bridge, the Yellow Trail becomes a little more rugged; however, it remains easy. Turn right after crossing the bridge to hug MacMillan Brook. You will soon reach a set of stone steps which you lead you up to MacMillan Falls.

MacMillan Falls is located about halfway up the stone steps. The waterfall can be seen from a distance as you climb up, and it is worth stopping below for a scenic view of the falls from afar before reaching the it.

While this waterfall has underwhelmed me during the summer, MacMillan Falls is very impressive in the winter. The relatively low flow of the water ensures that it freezes quickly.

After visiting the waterfall, you have a couple of options. You can return the same way you came, or you can extend the hike. Note that the trails become significantly more rugged past MacMillan Falls and may not be appropriate during icy conditions. However, the trail around Scarlett Oak Pond is level and easy for those interested.

GPS Route

Review

MacMillan Falls is one of the best waterfalls to visit in the winter due to its relative ease of access and size. While the relatively low flow of the waterfall has disappointed me during the warmer months, it is actually a benefit in the colder months, as it helps it freeze quickly. Additionally, while the park can feel overwhelmingly crowded in the summer, it is much quieter in the winter. That’s not to say that you will not encounter anyone, as the park is still popular, but far more tolerable.