Hike 3 - June 3rd - Buttermilk Falls

At 9:00 AM on June 3rd we'll head to the Kittatiny's to tackle Buttermilk Falls, Crater Lake, and Hemlock Pond.  At 200 feet, the Falls are the tallest in New Jersey and the two lake's are nestled in along each side of a ridge line that is home to a section of the Appalachian trail.

Please note a small portion of this trail is rated difficult, solely for the elevation gain and not the terrain.  The climb to the Appalachian Trail is over 1,100 feet over the course of 1.4 miles.

Please contact Jeff Carlson (jc1372) by May 29th if you are interested in joining us.

• Difficulty - Challenging at the onset, Moderate for the balance
• Length - 7.5 miles
• Elevation Gain - ~1,500 feet
• Expected Duration - 4-6 hours
• Park Trail Map
• Our Route
• Parking Location - Mountain Road, Layton, NJ (41.137023, -74.889123).  See note below.
• Restrooms - via NJHiking.com:   None at the Falls parking. If you approach from Rt. 206, there are outhouses at the two Tillman Ravine parking lots on Mountain Rd. If you approach from the other direction, there may be portas at Millbrook, and restrooms when it’s open. During the hike there are very nice composting toilets in the parking lot at Crater Lake.

What to Expect

A great day!  The month of June misses the spring rainy season but the falls should still be quite picturesque even though not in full flow.  That is, until you have to climb alongside. 1,121 feet in 1.4 miles will be difficult, but  certainly doable for those with a will.  I have not personally taken this trail, but the elevation and mileage of this section is similar to Mt. Tammany, our first hike.

At the top of the we'll pick up the Appalachian Trail and head southeast along ridge line and circle Crater Lake.  From the Hiking Project:

Wander along the Crater Lake Trail for a chance to see the beautiful handiwork of the prehistoric Wisconsin Glacier. Formed during the Pleistocene over 22,000 years ago, the lake entices visitors with its cool, clear waters.  Fantastic vistas of the surrounding hemlock forests can be had from its prominent, ice-scoured, rocky shore. 

Then we'll head back north and follow the western shoreline of Hemlock Pond, another picturesque body of water.  From there we'll take a wood road back to Buttermilk falls trail.

Blaze note:  Many of the trails on this hike are unmarked woods roads or trails.  Please be sure to bring a paper map and always be with a partner.

The Route Blazes and Mileage

• South from Parking onto Buttermilk Falls Trail - Blue (1.7)
• Right (Southeast) onto the Appalachian Trail - White (0.9)
• Left (East) to Crater Lake Loop - No Blaze (1.7).  Note:  Loop rejoins the white AT
• Left (Northwest) to Hemlock Pond Trail - Orange (0.45)
• Left (West) onto Hemlock Pond Loop  - No Blaze (0.35)
• Right (East) onto Woods Road (1.3)
• Left (North) onto Buttermilk Falls Trail - Blue (1.15)

Directions Note:  The parking lot is off of a rather long dirt road that is only open during the warmer months.  It is maintained but also may contain some large pot holes.  Please do not solely rely on these directions and review your GPS route in advance of the hike.

From The East (Easiest)

Rt. 206 N, past Culver’s Lake. Left onto Struble Road. This becomes Dimon Road. Pass two parking areas on the left for Tillman Ravine. At the intersection near Walpack Cemetery, turn left onto Mountain Road. Keep going on Mountain Road until you see a large dirt lot on the right with Buttermilk Falls on the left, right next to the road and can’t be missed.

From the West (A little more difficult)

Via Route 80 or Route 94 (or another way), north onto Millbrook road.  Follow for 7 miles (a little more) and turn right onto Old Mine Road and take for 2.2 miles.  Make a right onto National Park Service Road (also called Walpack Flatbrook Road) and follow for 3.2 miles.  Make a right onto Mountain road and parking is on left in 1.8 miles.  Note:  If approaching from the far west (PA) you can also take Old Mine road from the Delaware Water Gap.