Wind blows US Flag and surrounding area
Doesn't get more photogenic than this NPS Photo/ Terry McKenna

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

National Historic Site · New Jersey · National Park Service

Silk cloth and steam locomotives; textiles and continuous paper rolls; firearms and aircraft engines. What do these things have in common? All were manufactured in the same place - Paterson, NJ. In 1792, Paterson was established as America's first planned industrial city, centered around the Great Falls of the Passaic River. From humble mills rose industries that changed the face of the nation.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
973-523-0370
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

Things to do

Highlights: Waterfalls

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Cultural Demonstrations · Food · Dining · Guided Tours · Junior Ranger Program

Photos

  • Sunny day and waterfall view
    NPS Photo/Brady O'Connor
  • snow covered hydro plant and waterfall
    NPS Photo/Ilyse Goldman
  • Man overlooking the falls while taking a selfie
    NPS Photo/Terry McKenna
  • Mist coming up from where the water drops into the passaic river
    NPS Photo/Terry McKenna
  • summer foliage surrounding a bridge
    NPS Photo/Terry McKenna
  • Walking path behind the falls, during sunset with cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
    NPS/VIP Terry

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Parks of New Jersey

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54 parks mapped in New Jersey

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Guides for the trip

All guides →

Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12