Description
Buttermilk Falls in Mendham is one of at least four waterfalls of the same name in New Jersey. The other waterfalls include one in Walpack, one in Bridgewater, and one in Wayne.
Buttermilk Falls is a small waterfall cascading into a large pool. The pool is a popular swimming hole in the summer, although swimming is not permitted.
Directions
There are multiple access points to the falls, the closest being from the parking area at 97 Ironia Rd, Mendham Township, NJ 07945.
- From the parking area walk towards the back of the large grass field.
- At the back of the field locate the Yellow Trail which quickly brings you to India Brook.
- At India Brook you will see a sign pointing right towards the waterfall and left towards a bridge.
- While a right turn does take you to the waterfall, the view is far better from the other side. It is possible to cross India Brook below the waterfall if desired by careful stepping over exposed rocks.
- If you prefer the bridge, follow the Yellow Trail until you reach the bridge then cross it.
- Follow the Yellow Trail downstream until you reach the waterfall.
Access and Restrictions
There have been multiple reports that Buttermilk Falls is closed, including in our dedicated post on hiking the larger park. During the most recent visit on May 26, 2026, the park was open, and multiple emergency no-parking signs were posted along Ironia Road and the driveway to the parking area. The parking area was open and could hold a decent number of cars. Based on the amount of signage, do not even think about parking on the shoulder unless you are okay with risking a parking ticket.
It appears that the township is trying to keep the property open without getting dangerously overcrowded. Swimming is prohibited, and the waterfall is likely one accident away from a more permanent closure.
Update: A reader (Sam) left a comment on September 11, 2026, reporting on current access:
As of today (9/11/26), the main parking area near Buttermilk Falls is closed indefinitely according to Mendham Township. It has been closed since early July due to a visitor jumping in the falls and getting injured or possibly passing away. I called the Township of Mendham myself to confirm. It is very clearly posted that you cannot swim in the stream so it’s frustrating the main parking area is closed due to 1 person’s poor choice to not listen to the rules but what’re you gonna do. They could not confirm when the park would reopen.
Buttermilk Falls (Mendham) Information
Click here for explanations on the information below
| Waterway | India Brook |
| Drainage Area (square miles) | 3.76 |
| Drainage Area Size | Small |
| Height (feet) | 14.4 |
| Latitude and Longitude | 40.799461, -74.621618 |
| Location | Mendham Township, Morris County |
| Type | Cascade |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring |
| Property Type | Town Park-India Brook Natural Area |
| Ease of Access | Easy |
Alerts
- Access to the waterfall may be limited by Mendham Township. On the last visit by Explore North Jersey, the park was open, but recent visitors have reported that the park is closed.
Note
This is one of four waterfalls named Buttermilk Falls in New Jersey. The other waterfalls are located in:
Posts Featuring Buttermilk Falls (Mendham)
Exploring India Brook Park and Buttermilk Falls in Mendham
New Jersey is home to at least four Buttermilk Falls. The most well known of which is the 130 foot waterfall in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Likely second in notoriety to that waterfall, is the significantly smaller 14.4 foot tall waterfall and swimming hole at India Brook Park in Mendham. This waterfall…
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