Description

Schooley’s Falls is a pair of back-to-back waterfalls in Schooley’s Mountain County Park. Both the upper and lower falls are strikingly similar and are separated by a small pool along the rocky gorge trail. This pool is small enough, at only about 10 feet, that some people may consider it a single waterfall, though most agree it is two distinct waterfalls. Nevertheless, as the two waterfalls are so close, it is highly recommended to visit them at the same time.

The Lower Falls is the slightly taller waterfall at 23.5 feet. It is also slightly harder to see head-on and requires a small scramble. For those not wanting to do the scramble, you are still offered a good view from the side.

Directions

Hikers can access the waterfall in as short as a half-mile round-trip hike, but a slightly longer mile-long route is ideal as it includes a few unnamed cascades on the brook, and the longer approach is slightly easier due to a rock scramble.

The easiest access is by parking at the upper Schooley’s Mountain parking area at 91 East Springtown Road, Washington Township, NJ 07853.

1. Locate the co-blazed White Patriots Path Trail (marked by a metal blaze with a tree and trail icon), and Teal Highlands Trail (a diamond blaze) near the restroom facility.
2. Follow the trail until you reach the Yellow Trail straight ahead. Turn right to stay on the White and Teal Trails.
3. Follow the White and Teal Trail for about a half mile until you reach a kiosk. Turn right at the kiosk to start the Blue Trail. Note: The Blue Trail is different than the Teal Trail. The Blue Trail is marked with traditional painted rectangles instead of the diamonds from the Teal Trail
4. Follow the Blue Trail until you reach Lower Schooley’s Falls, then Upper Schooley’s Falls.
5. To return follow the Blue Trail upstream back to the parking area.

Posts Featuring Lower Schooley’s Falls

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