Description

Greenbrook Falls is the tallest waterfall in New Jersey, dropping roughly 250 feet, and ranks among the tallest cascades in the Northeast. Located within the Palisades Interstate Park, it tumbles down the Palisades Cliffs in multiple tiers before emptying into the Hudson River.

Despite its impressive height, the waterfall remains largely overlooked due to a few unique limitations. Because it drains a small area of just over one square mile, the flow can be quite weak unless there has been recent heavy rainfall. Additionally, because the falls drop directly into the Hudson, it is impossible to view the entire cascade from inside the park, yet the river is too wide to get a clear view from the New York side. And finally, the top of the waterfall is located in the Greenbrook Nature Sanctuary, which, while open to the public, requires a membership (with no daily entry otherwise). Fortunately, the view from the sanctuary does not seem to be that good, but we cannot confirm.

While a portion of the waterfall is visible from Henry Hudson Drive inside the park, the view from the road is not nearly as impressive as the one from the base. Furthermore, there is no roadside parking available, meaning you can only legally stop if you approach on foot or by bicycle.

While impressive, the view from the base is only a fraction of the 250-foot waterfall. Unfortunately, the steep cliffs make it impossible to fully see many of the tiers. If you look through the trees, especially from the base, you can appreciate just how tall this waterfall is.

Directions

There are two main ways to hike to the waterfalls: from the Undercliff Picnic Area or the Alpine Picnic Area

• Undercliff Picnic Area Access
  • Park at the large (free) Undercliff Picnic Area, which can be found at 40.887389, -73.942444
  • Locate a small road at the back of the lot that leads down to the Hudson River. Take this road.
  • At the bottom, turn left onto the Shore Trail.
  • Follow the Shore Trail for 2.2 miles until you reach Greenbrook Falls. About 1.5 miles in, you will also pass Lost Brook Falls.
• Alpine Picnic Area
  • Park in the large paid Alpine Picnic Area lot 40.944417, -73.919167
  • Locate the Shore Trail at the entrance and exit of the picnic area. Note the Shore Trail passes through this large parking area; make sure you take the correct trail; do not take the trail at the far end of the parking area away from the entrance and exit.
  • Follow the trail 1.8 miles until you reach Greenbrook Falls.

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