Description

Unnamed Waterfall at Black River County Park is a small waterfall on the Black River in the park of the same name. This waterfall is relatively unknown, despite its easy, scenic hike to reach it. Despite being easy to reach, the waterfall is difficult to view clearly due to the surrounding topography. This is because the waterfall drops into a fairly large plunge pool, which forces the trail to loop outwards and up away from the falls. Once you loop around the plunge pool, the trail does not actually return to the river for a short distance, and you will need to follow a faint trail to an overlook above. This overlook is about 20 feet above the water. While it may be possible to climb down for a good view, I have not tried it, and, while scenic, the waterfall does not justify that risk. Unfortunately, the added height above the waterfall really washes out its size in pictures.

Despite being one the shorter side at only about eight feet tall, the waterfall is very powerful due to the volume of the Black River. While not the most impressive, it is reliable and will continuously flow all year.

Directions

The trail to the waterfall is generally easy, but it follows a zigzag route, switching between multiple trails. While it may seem complicated, this is actually the fastest way to the waterfall.

1. From the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center parking area at 200 Pottersville Rd, Chester, NJ 07930, take the Blue/Patriots Path Trail, walking past a sign pointing left towards a butterfly garden.
2. Take the trail 0.2 miles until you reach a fork with the Yellow Trail. Turn left onto the Yellow Trail.
3. Take the Yellow Trail for 0.2 miles until you reach the Orange Trail on the right. Turn right onto the Orange Trail.
4. Take the Orange Trail 0.3 miles until you reach the Green Trail. Turn left onto the Green Trail.
5. Follow the Green Trail for 0.5 miles, passing the Kay Cottage Waterfall until you reach this waterfall on the right.

Gallery