Description

Upper Great Notch Falls is a small seasonal waterfall at Rifle Camp Park in Passaic County’s Woodland Park. The waterfall is located above Great Notch Falls on the spillway of the Great Notch Reservoir and only flows when the dam is overtopping. Water is pumped into the reservoir after treatment at the Little Falls Treatment Plant. As such, the reservoir is frequently at or near capacity. After heavy rain, the reservoir overtops, and the waterfall becomes visible. The drainage area is fairly small, so it disappears fairly quickly.

Unlike Great Notch Falls, viewing the upper falls is difficult, especially if the water is high, which is the only time you would want to visit. You will need to cross Third River (which is small at this point) to get an unobstructed view.

Directions

Great Notch Falls is easy to get to, but it does require a hike. There are a few ways to get there. I recommend making it a stop on the Yellow Loop (linked below). The most direct route is as follows:

• Park in the pond parking area at 40.883472, -74.184667
• Take the obvious road in the right corner of the park. Follow the road around a small pond.
• After the pond, continue straight following this road. The Yellow Trail officially goes to the left. Ignore this trail, remain on the unmarked road.
• After a short distance, you will reach a fence for the Great Notch Reservoir, and the Yellow Trail again.
• Turn left onto the Yellow Trail and follow it to the end of the reservoir, where you will find the waterfall. One-way this is about 0.7 miles.

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