Blue Mine Brook Falls

Blue Mine Brook Falls is a small waterfall near the Highlands Natural Pool and Weis Ecology Center. The waterfall is just below a small dam directing water into the Highlands Natural Pool, a guarded swimming pool fed by natural water. As such, it is difficult to determine how much of the waterfall is actually “natural,” and how much is created by excess water being diverted away from the pool.

Access to the waterfall is complicated. Until recently, the Green Otter Hole Trail passed directly next to the waterfall. Currently, however, the trail has been detoured and signs are posted in the parking area. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, who maintain the trails in the park, reports:

As of late 2023, the New Weis Center has relocated the Otter Hole Trail (Green) off their property and onto Snake Den Road. Hikers are still able to park in the lot provided by the New Weis Center but are asked to follow the relocated green blazes along Snake Den Road for approximately 0.4 miles to the Richard M. Warner kiosk to rejoin the pre-existing green-blazed Otter Hole Trail. This is a residential road, so use caution, be aware of vehicles that will be sharing the road with hikers, and keep to the side of the road whenever possible.

Blue Mine Brook Falls is situated on the now-closed trail, severely limiting its permitted access. Fortunately, the waterfall is actually located on property owned by the Highlands Natural Pool. During the summer, when the pool is open to the public, visitors can catch glimpses of the waterfall from the pool itself. The pool also maintains picnic areas outside of the pool near the waterfall, allowing easy and permitted access for guests of the pool.

Blue Mine Brook Falls Information

Click here for explanations on the information below

WaterwayBlue Mine Brook
Drainage Area (square miles)0.64
Drainage Area SizeSmall
Height (feet)11.4
Latitude and Longitude41.068792 -74.326309
LocationRingwood, Passaic County
TypeCascade
Best Time to VisitWhenever the Highlands Natural Pool is open
Property TypePrivate-New Weis Center and Highlands Natural Pool
Current StreamflowN/A

Alerts

  • The waterfall sits on private property and has limited access.
  • Due to a natural swimming pool, dogs (other than service dogs) are never allowed near the waterfall for sanitary purposes.

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