Located in Passaic County, within the incredible Norvin Green State Forest, are two scenic waterfalls known as Otter Hole Falls and Chikahoki Falls. These waterfalls are a popular destination for hikers and can be easily visited on one hike. In the winter months, both waterfalls, especially Chikahoki Falls, become especially impressive as the water freezes. Fortunately, the trails to both Chikahoki Falls and Otter Hole Falls are relatively easy and accessible, even during the colder months, making them an excellent choice for a rewarding winter hike. Continue reading to learn more about hiking to these impressive waterfalls.
Hike Information
Distance: 2.3 miles
Ascent: ~460 feet
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Alerts
- The trails at Norvin Green State Forest were all reblazed in October 2025. As of December 2025, the official map on the state park website has not been updated. Here is the updated map from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, the organization responsible for maintaining the trails.
The Hike
This out-and-back hike is roughly one mile each way. It’s considered easy to moderate, with a few stream crossings and mildly rocky sections. Since Chikahoki Falls is downhill from all parking areas, the hike begins with a descent and ends with a climb back up. Fortunately, the inclines are relatively gentle.
During the summer, the waterfalls are popular destinations, and parking can be a challenge on weekends. During the winter, however, the park is much quieter and you should not have trouble parking. If the parking area is full, there is an additional parking area a few hundred feet up the road. Do not park on Glenwild Road.
Hike Description
The hike starts at the parking area on Glenwild Road.
To begin the hike, walk to the edge of the parking area, heading down Glenwild Road. The trail entrance will be on your left. Do not cross the road; that trail leads to the Stone Living Room, a much steeper hike that is not recommended in winter conditions.
Begin the obvious Red and Black Trail. In a couple of hundred feet, you will reach the first waterfall. The Red and Black Trail crosses over Posts Brook just above Otter Hole Falls. The crossing is fairly wide but not too difficult, thanks to an abundance of rocks. Depending on recent weather, beware of ice on some of these rocks. It is possible to see the waterfall without crossing, but you will not be able to reach Chikahoki Falls.
Otter Hole Falls
Height: 15.7 feet
Waterfall Coordinates: 41.046597 -74.349741
Otter Hole Falls is a two-tier, multi-step waterfall. The main trail runs above the falls, so a short, easy detour off the trail is needed to see them. From there, you can access viewpoints on either side by heading slightly downhill, with both sides offering ledges that overlook the cascading water.
You can also hike down to the bottom of the falls.
After the waterfall, the trail ends at the co-blazed Red Wyanokie Circular Loop and Teal Highlands Trail. Turn right at this intersection. Stay on this trail for about a mile. The trail here gradually descends, losing about 450 feet in elevation, but it is never steep.
Along the way, you will intersect with two trails on separate occasions: the Yellow Trail and another Red and Black Trail. At both of these trails, signs direct you to remain on the Red Trail to reach Chikahoki Falls.
Chikahoki Falls
Height: 19.4 feet
Waterfall Coordinates: 41.044273 -74.332737
Soon after the second Red and Black Trail, you will reach a sign designating Chikahoki Falls. This sign is actually above the waterfall, and you will need to descend the nearly 20-foot drop. In the winter, this is the most challenging part. In the summer, most people can make it with no issue.
At the bottom of this small hill, the trail passes along the northern side of the waterfall. Unfortunately, from the trail itself, you can only see a side view of the falls.
If you cross over Posts Brook, you are greeted with a far superior view. To do so, carefully rock-hop across the now relatively thin brook to where you will be greeted with a much fuller view of the waterfall.
During my visit, the waterfall was mostly frozen, with only a small cascade of water coming down the left.
From the waterfall, you have a couple of options: extend your hike up Carris Hill, or return the same way you came. In the winter, I do not recommend ascending Carris Hill without microspikes on your boots as it is steep, rocky and exposed.
GPS Route
Attached is the route as described above for reference. Additionally users can download the route to use on their preferred GPS. How to use the GPS routes on your phone.
Review
Otter Hole and Chikahoki Falls are two of the best waterfalls to hike to in New Jersey. The trail is perfect in length, long enough to feel like more than a simple walk, but not so long that it becomes exhausting. Along the way, hikers are treated to several fun stream crossings that add a slight bit of challenge. Both waterfalls are fascinating in their own right, with Chikahoki Falls being especially scenic thanks to the large pool it drops into. Thanks to their accessibility and relatively gentle terrain, Otter Hole and Chikahoki Falls are also great winter destinations, allowing hikers to enjoy frozen cascades and quiet trails.
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