Paterson Great Falls
Paterson, NJ
A broad waterfall on the Passaic River dropping into a basalt gorge beside the old mill buildings of an early industrial city. View it from the park and the bridge; flow is strongest after rain or snowmelt.
The Great Falls of the Passaic River in Paterson plunge 77 feet (23 m) into a basalt gorge and are a National Natural Landmark. Alexander Hamilton visited the site in 1778; in 1791 he founded the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, which hired Pierre Charles L'Enfant to plan a system of canals. From this grew an early industrial city with cotton spinning (1792), locomotive building (1832) and firearms manufacturing (1837). Since 2011 the area (about 36 acres, or 15 ha) has been a National Historical Park.
A visit usually takes one to two hours: you can see the falls from the park and from the bridge and take a look at the mill buildings and canal works. The falls are most impressive after rain or snowmelt. The hydroelectric plant at the falls is still in operation. Park somewhere in the city and explore on foot.
- Nearest town
- Paterson, NJ
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 40.9156, -74.1813
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camp Glen GrayCampsite11 mi from Paterson Great FallsTents
- Camp WyanokieCampsite14 mi from Paterson Great FallsTents
- Liberty Harbor RVMotorhome stopover16 mi from Paterson Great Falls · 50 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Rock Lodge ClubCampsite21 mi from Paterson Great Falls
- Wawayanda Group CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Paterson Great FallsTentsDogs allowed
- Camp Gateway - Staten IslandCampsite23 mi from Paterson Great FallsTents
All campsites in New Jersey · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Paterson Great Falls?
Paterson Great Falls is in Paterson, NJ, at GPS 40.9156, -74.1813. It is about 17 mi from New York.
Can you camp near Paterson Great Falls?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp Glen Gray, about 11 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Paterson Great Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: State Line Lookout, Palisades (15 mi), Liberty State Park (16 mi), Bear Mountain State Park (29 mi) and United States Military Academy at West Point (35 mi).
When is the best time to visit Paterson Great Falls?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)