George Lake via Falling Waters Trail and Quarry Stone Trail

This medium-length loop sits inside Schooley’s Mountain County Park in Long Valley (Washington Township), Morris County, New Jersey, linking the shoreline of George Lake with the rocky gorge of Electric Brook and its waterfalls, then returning via the higher, drier woods on the Quarry Stone Trail. Expect about 4 km (2.5 mi) total with roughly 100 m (330 ft) of elevation gain—short, but with enough rock, roots, and grade changes to feel “medium,” especially when the falls area is wet or icy.

Getting to the trailhead (car + public transport)

• By car: Aim for the park’s main entrance and lots at Schooley’s Mountain County Park, 91 East Springtown Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853. (morrisparks.net)
  This is the most straightforward access for George Lake and the Falling Waters Trail. Arrive early on pleasant weekends—this park is popular.
• By public transport: There isn’t a direct rail stop at the park. The most workable approach is NJ TRANSIT rail or bus to the Long Valley / Hackettstown area, then a rideshare/taxi for the final miles up to the park entrance on East Springtown Road. (Plan the last-mile connection in advance; service can be limited.)

What the route feels like underfoot

From the main parking area, you’ll quickly pick up well-used park paths leading toward George Lake. The first portion is generally smooth and family-friendly, with packed dirt and small gravel, then transitions to narrower singletrack as you angle toward Electric Brook.

Once you commit to the Falling Waters Trail, the character changes: the tread becomes rockier and more uneven, with short, steeper pitches as the trail drops into (and later climbs out of) the brook’s gorge. This is where most people slow down—expect slick rock near spray zones, exposed roots, and a few spots where you’ll want to use hands for balance.

A typical breakdown (approximate): - 0.0–0.8 km (0.0–0.5 mi): Easy approach near George Lake, minimal elevation change. - 0.8–2.0 km (0.5–1.25 mi): Descend into the Electric Brook corridor on Falling Waters—this is where you’ll encounter the waterfalls and the most rugged footing. - 2.0–3.2 km (1.25–2.0 mi): Transition away from the gorge and begin the gradual climb back on connecting park trails toward Quarry Stone. - 3.2–4.0 km (2.0–2.5 mi): Quarry Stone Trail segment back toward the developed park area—typically drier, steadier walking, with gentle ups/downs.

Use HiiKER to confirm the exact junctions you’ll take between Falling Waters and Quarry Stone, since there are multiple intersecting park trails and it’s easy to follow the “wrong” loop if you’re chatting or moving fast.

Waterfalls, lake views, and key landmarks

• George Lake: Early and/or late in the loop you’ll have calm lake-edge scenery—good for a quick snack stop, especially if you want to keep your break on flatter ground.
• Electric Brook gorge + falls: The highlight is the series of cascades along Electric Brook. After rain, the falls are louder and more dramatic; in dry spells, they can be more delicate trickles over rock shelves.
• Historic remnants: Along the Falling Waters route, you may notice remains associated with an old hydroelectric station in the gorge area—subtle, but a real reminder that these steep, reliable flows were once harnessed for power. (nynjtc.org)
  

Nature and wildlife to watch for

This is classic New Jersey Highlands / mixed hardwood forest terrain: oak-dominant woods, hemlock pockets in cooler ravines, and ferny, mossy edges near the brook. In warmer months, the gorge stays noticeably cooler and more humid than the open park