Devils Hole
Cedar Grove, New Jersey
| GPS: |
40°51'13.3"N 74°13'48.6"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | New Jersey |
Devil's Hole is a small but scenic waterfall on the Peckman River in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, where the stream drops about ten feet through a rocky little gorge into a deep pool. Tucked into a suburban park just off Slattery Drive, it's an easy, pretty walk to a surprising pocket of nature in northern New Jersey.
To reach it, start from the parking area on Slattery Drive and follow the paved path past the playgrounds; where it turns to dirt, cross a small wooden bridge, then bear right onto an unmarked trail down to the Peckman River and follow it to the falls.
Important: swimming is prohibited here, and for good reason. Despite its reputation as a “swimming hole,” Devil's Hole has a genuinely deadly history — a string of accidents (most recently in 2023) has led to posted no-swimming signs and active police enforcement. The rock ledges around the pool are dangerously slick, and the Peckman River carries pollution and sewage runoff from upstream, so the water isn't clean. Come to look, not to swim.
Treat it as a short scenic waterfall walk: enjoy the falls from a safe distance, keep well back from the slippery edges, watch children closely, obey the posted signs, and carry out everything you bring. It's a lovely spot — just admire it from dry ground.
More Information
Devil’s Hole Falls - Explore North Jersey
Devil’s Hole Falls is a small chute waterfall along the Peckman River in Cedar Grove. Located along the Peckman River, Devil’s Hole Falls drops 9.8 feet
https://explorenorthjersey.com/waterfalls-of-new-jersey/devils-hole-falls/Don’t Swim At Notorious ‘Devil’s Hole’: Cedar Grove Police
As the summer weather ramps up and swimmers seek places to beat the heat, there’s one place in Essex County that should remain off the list.
https://patch.com/new-jersey/verona/don-t-swim-notorious-devil-s-hole-cedar-grove-policeNew Jersey Swimming Holes and Hot Springs swimmingholes.org rivers creek springs falls hiking campin
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/nj.html
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Cedar Grove, New Jersey
- Head west on Bowden Rd toward Pompton Ave (102 ft)
- Turn right onto Pompton AveDestination will be on the left(0.1 mi)
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