Plan Your Visit

A park ranger provides information to two visitors on either side of her

VIP Terry McKenna

 
Water plunges down a 77 ft. chasm between dark basalt cliffs, a set of arched metal bridges crossing in the background. Green vegetation frames the left side and background
Explore Paterson's history, culture, & views of the Great Falls such as captured in this winning entry from the 2013 Eastern National Photo Contest for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Passport Stamp

Adali Rosario

Plan like a Park Ranger

Waterfalls, ancient geology, engineering landmarks, and the economic birth of a new nation - these are just a few of the things you will discover on your visit to the City of Paterson and the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.

Operating Hours:
The grounds are always available, but the best time to see the falls is between sunrise and sunset. The City of Paterson may close the Overlook Park lot after dark situationally. For seasonal and staff schedules, review our current schedule.

Know before you go! Click the information categories below to plan your trip to Paterson:

Please Note:
There is currently no visitor center. We are without indoor facilities pending new visitor center construction. Portable toilets are available 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, staff permitting. National Park Passport stamps are available at the administrative office at our main address.

 
Visitors stand at an overlook railing beside a wayside information panel
Basic Information

Address • Hours • Fees & Passes • NPS Passport Stamps • Weather • Rules & Regulations • Permits & Reservations • Pets • Goods & Services

Interstate 80 running through Paterson NJ, seen from Garret Mountain
Directions

Driving • Parking • Public Transportation

Hands hold a National Natural Landmarks January calendar page of a waterfall before the Great Falls
Calendar

Programs & Special Events

Park rangers staff an outdoor chalk art activity table & tent
Things to Do

Walking Tours • Park Programs • Youth Activities • Nearby Attractions

Rectangular concrete sign for Paterson Great Falls NHP stands before a waterfall framed by a bridge
Learn About the Park

Kids & Youth • Education • History & Culture • Nature • Photos & Multimedia • News • Social Media • Management

A statue of Lou Costello stands beside a playground
Nearby Attractions

National Parks • Museums • Hiking & Outdoor Recreation • Public Parks • Hinchliffe Stadium

Park rangers & visitors gather food in an outdoor ethnic buffet tent
Eating & Sleeping

Eating • Sleeping

Visitors on a cold, windy day walk past an information kiosk & ice warning sign
Safety

General Guidelines • Keep Wildlife Wild • Covid-19 Impacts

A man in a power wheelchair paints the Great Falls with a large easel
Accessibility

Physical / Mobility • Deaf / Hearing Loss • Blind / Low Vision • Service Animals

Last updated: January 12, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

72 McBride Avenue Extension
Paterson, NJ 07501

Phone:

973-523-0370

Contact Us