Washington Valley Park Hike – NJ

/ Hiking, NJ Hiking / By
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Are you looking for a shorter hike in an easily accessible area with a waterfall?  Look no further than Washington Valley Park, NJ! This Somerset County park, in an area known as Chimney Rock, has many hiking options. Our hike (see map, details, and a short video below) was under 2 miles and offered great views of Buttermilk Falls.

In this article, we’ll showcase some of the must-see sights of Washington Valley Park and offer some suggestions for maximizing your hike. After reading, grab your hiking boots and prepare for an excellent adventure in one of New Jersey’s beautiful parks!

Buttermilk Falls at Washington Valley Park, NJ.
Buttermilk Falls at Washington Valley Park, NJ.

Key Facts: Washington Valley Park, NJ, and Buttermilk Falls

Hiking Mileage and time

  1. This 1.73-mile loop begins and ends in the parking lot at the end of Miller Lane.
  2. We took our time and still completed the hike in just over one hour.
  3. Toward the end of the hike, we gained 275 feet in elevation. Not much to manage, but enough to get infrequent hikers to breathe heavily. Take your time; the forest is a great place for breaks!
  4. Shorter hiking options: Hike to the waterfall and then return to the car if you want to keep your hike under a mile.
  5. Longer hiking options: The park has a variety of additional trails, so you can take any of them to extend your hike. Check out the AllTrails app for details on all the area’s hiking trails.

Trail Rating

This hike at Washington Valley Park is rated as easy to moderate. The trail includes gravel paths, rocky terrain, and a few steeper sections (mainly on side trails near the waterfall).

Trail markings near the end of our hike at Washington Valley Park.
Trail markings near the end of our hike at Washington Valley Park.

Notable trail sections

We had a great time in Washington Valley Park and on this hike!  Our favorite sections included an overlook area, Buttermilk Falls, and the forest you walk through on the second half of this circuit.

  1. Buttermilk Falls: Who doesn’t love a waterfall? Short side trails offer great views of the waterfall. Go after a good rain to see the water really flowing.
  2. The Viewing Overlook: Near the beginning of the hike (see pic below), you can see Chimney Rock and a quarry in the background. At the right time of year, you can see migrating hawks.
  3. The Forest: we hiked here in springtime and saw bright green, new leaves emerging, and water running off the higher areas towards the creek.
A view of the quarry at Washington Valley Park.
A view of the quarry at Washington Valley Park. (Chimney Rock is painted white)

Family Friendly?

Washington Valley Park is very family-friendly. We saw several families with small children on this hike. Just watch little ones on the short, steeper side trails by the waterfall and near the top of the waterfall. The trail has some rocky sections and a manageable uphill stretch toward the end of the hike. This is a great place for hiking with kids!

Washington Valley Park Hiking Trail Map

Washington Valley Park Hiking Trail Map
Washington Valley Park Hiking Trail Map

Trail Parking

We parked at a trailhead parking lot at the end of Miller Lane. Sometimes the parking lot is called the Hawk Watch Area Parking Lot. From Rt. 22, take Vosseller Avenue (North) to the left on Miller. Given the park’s location, I can see the parking lot filling up on weekends.

Washington Valley Park, NJ Hiking Tips

  1. Good hiking shoes, especially waterproof ones, are always preferred if you go after rain. We saw several folks in sneakers since the trail isn’t too rugged.
  2. If you hike this loop clockwise, as we did, you’ll reach side trails near the waterfall. The side trails are a little steeper but manageable. Definitely take these short trails to get a better look at the waterfall.
  3. The upper section of the waterfall is manmade, and the lower section has water flowing over natural rocks. Together, the waterfall makes for a fun visit…especially after some rain!
Buttermilk Falls at Washington Valley Park.
Buttermilk Falls at Washington Valley Park.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Buttermilk Falls, NJ:

  1. Buttermilk Falls at Washington Valley Park isn’t New Jersey’s tallest waterfall, but its accessible location makes it easy for many to enjoy. (Click here for information on New Jersey’s tallest waterfall.)
  2. This is a short hike at under 2 miles and can be completed by most people.
  3. Early in the hike, you’ll reach an overlook platform where you can see Chimney Rock (unfortunately painted white), a view of a Quarry, and migrating hawks at times of the year.

A video of the Buttermilk Falls, NJ, from its base to the top

A waterfall along our hike at Washington Valley Park in New Jersey.

 

For additional information about Washington Valley Park, please visit the Somerset County Park Commission website.

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