Lower Rutherford Falls is a moderately large waterfall located at High Point State Park. The waterfall is located below a dam on Rutherford Lake, Upper Rutherford Falls, and Middle Rutherford Falls. Unlike the upper falls, reaching Lower Rutherford Falls is very difficult and should only be attempted by those who are very comfortable hiking off-trail on steep terrain. Since you approach the waterfall from above, it is impossible to see without trekking down the steep slope.
Rutherford Lake is restricted as it is a drinking water source. There is no official signage forbidding access to the trail through the lake area, but a neighbor to the south of the lake has put up multiple unwelcoming trespassing signs on the trail near his house. It is possible to reach the waterfall and avoid this neighbor if visiting from the north, from the direction of Route 23. There is a small unofficial parking area on Route 23, or visitors can park in the official Appalachian Trail parking lot and hike in from there.
Lower Rutherford Falls Information
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| Waterway | Outlet of Rutherford Lake |
| Drainage Area (square miles) | 0.72 |
| Drainage Area Size | Small |
| Height (feet) | 35 |
| Latitude and Longitude | 41.28322, -74.66381 |
| Location | Wantage Township, Sussex County |
| Type | Cascade |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring |
| Property Type | Public-High Point State Park |
| Current Streamflow | N/A |
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