Walking Behind a Frozen Waterfall at Bridal Veil Falls

Did you know New Jersey is home to a waterfall you can actually walk behind? Located along the edge of William Paterson University is the often-overlooked Bridal Veil Falls. This nearly 40-foot waterfall is the only one in the state where you can fully pass behind whilst staying completely dry. While it’s already striking in the summer, the waterfall is even more impressive in the winter as it freezes, and you are able to hike behind massive frozen icicles. Continue reading to learn more about visiting this spectacular waterfall.

Background

Bridal Veil Falls is not a completely natural waterfall, at least not in its current form. While not immediately obvious, Bridal Veil Falls tumbles into a former quarry. Upon visiting, you can see evidence of this as the base of the waterfall is nearly fully surrounded by steep, near-vertical cliffs, created through extensive excavation rather than natural erosion. Due to the quarry’s age, I cannot find any information on what the waterfall looked like (or whether there even was one) before the quarry.

Parking

The first challenge you will find when visiting is finding a place to park. My favorite option is the small strip mall at the corner of West Overlook Avenue and Belmont Avenue. This parking lot features the shortest and most direct hike to the waterfall. However, that this lot is posted with multiple signs indicating that parking is for customers only.

Another option is parking on the William Paterson University campus. While a parking permit is technically required, the campus has no shortage of parking, and permit are free, so visitors are unlikely to encounter any issues.

If you would prefer to park in a fully permitted space, you can also park at the High Mountain parking area on University Drive.

Reaching Bridal Veil Falls

While there are several ways to reach Bridal Veil Falls, the easiest and safest approach is from below the falls. To access it this way, walk up West Overlook Avenue, which is most convenient if you’ve parked at the nearby strip mall. After a short distance, the waterfall will come into view on the left as the road curves right into a switchback. At that point, leave the road and hike toward the waterfall.

There is no established trail, but the route is easy to follow. You will need to climb along the side of a moderately steep hillside, and it may be easier to rock-hop along Falls Brook. Once through this short but challenging section, the terrain opens up as you enter the former quarry, revealing a fully unobstructed view of the waterfall.

Bridal Veil Falls

One feature unique to New Jersey is that you can hike behind Bridal Veil Falls. While entry is possible from either side, I find it easier from the right.

Note that the area behind the waterfall was very icy. I was wearing microspikes and had no traction issues, but I would not attempt going behind this waterfall in the winter without spikes and would instead recommend visiting in the warmer months.

From here, return to your car the same way you came.

Review

Bridal Veil Falls remains one of the most overlooked waterfalls in New Jersey, which is especially surprising considering it is visible from the road, and it is the only one in the state that you are able to walk behind. The main downside of this waterfall is the lack of proper access. There is no official parking area, and the closest one is on private property. Then, once you park, you are required to take a short road walk along busy West Overlook Avenue. The effort is worth it, though, as Bridal Veil Falls is truly impressive, especially in the winter when you are able to stand behind the massive frozen icicles.