Well named, this
series of tumbling, churning cascades (plus one 20-foot vertical plunge) is
very accessible from NJ-29 about 5 miles south of Frenchtown. Driving NJ-29 is
a pleasure; it follows the Delaware River which, here, flows around some very
scenic islands. While early Spring is usually the best time to view
waterfalls, we recommend you pick a day after a good rain when the autumn
leaves are at their peak (usually late September) and really impact your
senses.
At about 5 miles south
of Frenchtown, on your left of course, is Tumble Falls Road. It angles off at
about a 30º angle. Follow this to the top of the grade and you will see the
trail head. Of course, you can also see the lower cascades from NJ-29 but
you'll miss the best sights if you don't take the trail. There is also a trail
leading up from NJ-29 but it can be very treacherous.
From I-78, take exit
16 and follow Hwy-513 south to Frenchtown. Make a left on NJ-29 and about 5
miles south of town you will see Tumble Falls.
If you are in the
Trenton area, take exit 1 of I-95 and head north on NJ-29. You'll follow the
Delaware River upstream, past Lambertville and Stockton. Tumble Falls
Road is about 7 miles north of Stockton.
Gary Letcher,
author/photographer, has an interesting web site which includes some excellent
photos of the waterfalls. There are other pages in his web site describing
other waterfalls in New Jersey:
Also of interest: An
excellent map of the area (in .pdf format)
