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Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Paterson, NJ

Photo: FirozAnsari, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorHistory BuffFree

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

72 McBride Ave Extension · Paterson, NJ

Why you should go…

At Paterson Great Falls, the Passaic River drops 77 feet over jointed basalt in the heart of the city. Alexander Hamilton chose the site for the nation's first planned industrial city, and the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures, founded in 1791, built raceways here to power its mills. You can take in the falls from the overlooks, walk the park grounds along the raceways, and see Hinchliffe Stadium, one of four Negro league ballparks still standing.

  • #waterfall
  • #national historical park
  • #industrial history
  • #scenic overlook

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Passaic County Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs

    Free

    County agency promoting Passaic County's historic sites, including Lambert Castle and the Dey Mansion.

    2.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    MetLife Stadium

    Under $25

    See Giants and Jets football, major concerts and soccer in an open-air stadium, or take a behind-the-scenes weekend tour.

    8.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    American Dream

    Free

    A massive entertainment and retail complex in the Meadowlands with an indoor water park, ski slope, and theme park.

    9.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Central Park

    Free

    843 acres of lakes, lawns and leafy paths in the heart of Manhattan, rowboats, Bethesda Terrace, the Mall and more.

    15 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    The High Line

    Free

    An elevated freight rail line reborn as a garden-lined park floating over Manhattan's West Side, with art and city views.

    15 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Bryant Park

    Free

    Relax on the lawn behind the New York Public Library, play games, ride the carousel or skate in winter.

    15 mi awayMore like this