About this spot
Buttermilk Falls sits in the Buttermilk Falls Natural Area of India Brook Park, reached by a short, steep trail from the Ironia Road parking area in Mendham Township. The falls drop roughly 14 feet in a series of frothy cascades over exposed rock into a cold, spring-fed pool that draws waders and swimmers all summer despite posted no-swimming signs. Water clarity is excellent, but temperatures stay chilly even in July, and slick rocks near the water's edge are the hazard that matters most, with no lifeguards or facilities on site. Swimming is technically prohibited yet widely tolerated in practice. Parking is limited and shoulder parking on Ironia Road risks a ticket, especially on busy weekends.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.