Waterfall Hikes Near Brooklyn, NY

2,736,074 residents
New York Time Zone
6 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Brooklyn occupies a low-lying coastal plain along New York Harbor, bordered by shoreline bluffs, parkland ridges and tree-filled ravines that quickly transition across the river to the rocky Palisades and Hudson Valley gorges. Waterfall hikes within 50 miles tend to be moderate woodland and canyon trails with some short roadside cascades, a handful of easy park walks and one drive-up site, offering hikes that pair urban access with steep river-cliff terrain for day outings.

Located at 40.6501°N, -73.9496°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Brooklyn

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

6 of 6 gauged

1 of 6 waterfalls near Brooklyn is flowing strongly today

Buttermilk Falls Strong Buttermilk Falls Moderate Pottersville Falls Moderate Rippowan Falls Moderate

Updated 37 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Labor Day

Sunny · 80°F

Aft 85°F Mostly Sunny
Sat 82°F Mostly Sunny
Sun 76°F Mostly Sunny
Lab 80°F Sunny Best
Tue 82°F Mostly Sunny
Wed 82°F Partly Sunny
Thu 85°F Slight Chance Rain Showers

Flowing best right now near Brooklyn

Updated 37 minutes ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Buttermilk Falls Strong · 41 cfs 75th percentile
  2. 2 Buttermilk Falls Moderate · 161 cfs 73rd percentile
  3. 3 Rippowan Falls Moderate · 32 cfs 72nd percentile
  4. 4 Pottersville Falls Moderate · 38 cfs 52nd percentile

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Brooklyn hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Brooklyn

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Brooklyn (2 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Passaic Falls waterfall

Passaic Falls

18.3 miles away
New Jersey
Drive Up
0.1 miles 50 ft
Rippowan Falls waterfall

Rippowan Falls

33.1 miles away
Connecticut
Easy
1.0 miles 200 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Brooklyn (6 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Maple Falls waterfall

Maple Falls

31.6 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Buttermilk Falls

27 miles away
New York
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Pottersville Falls waterfall

Pottersville Falls

13 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Buttermilk Falls

48.7 miles away
New York
Moderate
1.5 miles 500 ft

All 6 Waterfalls Near Brooklyn

Maple Falls waterfall

Maple Falls

31.6 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Passaic Falls waterfall

Passaic Falls

18.3 miles away
New Jersey
Drive Up
0.1 miles 50 ft
Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Buttermilk Falls

27 miles away
New York
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Pottersville Falls waterfall

Pottersville Falls

13 miles away
New Jersey
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Rippowan Falls waterfall

Rippowan Falls

33.1 miles away
Connecticut
Easy
1.0 miles 200 ft
Buttermilk Falls waterfall

Buttermilk Falls

48.7 miles away
New York
Moderate
1.5 miles 500 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Brooklyn

Are there free waterfalls near Brooklyn?

There are 5 free waterfalls near Brooklyn, including Buttermilk Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Brooklyn?

There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Brooklyn, including Passaic Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Brooklyn?

There are 6 dog-friendly waterfalls near Brooklyn, including Buttermilk Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Brooklyn?

There are 6 kid-friendly waterfalls near Brooklyn, including Buttermilk Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near Brooklyn?

There is 1 waterfall that allows swimming near Brooklyn, including Buttermilk Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Brooklyn?

The shortest waterfall hike near Brooklyn is Buttermilk Falls at 0.1 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Brooklyn?

The tallest waterfall near Brooklyn is Buttermilk Falls at 165 feet.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Brooklyn?

Yes, 2 waterfalls near Brooklyn have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Brooklyn?

The closest waterfall to Brooklyn is Maple Falls, approximately 19.1 miles away.

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Where to Stay

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