Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park • New Jersey

Wind blows US Flag and surrounding area

Sunny day and waterfall view

snow covered hydro plant and waterfall

Man overlooking the falls while taking a selfie

Mist coming up from where the water drops into the passaic river

summer foliage surrounding a bridge

Walking path behind the falls, during sunset with cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

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.

Doesn't get more photogenic than this
NPS Photo/ Terry McKenna

Find Your Park at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park!
NPS Photo/Brady O'Connor

Lovely winter day at Paterson Great Falls
NPS Photo/Ilyse Goldman

Talk about a selfie!
NPS Photo/Terry McKenna

One of the best spots to overlook the falls and Garret Mountain, Paterson's largest mountain.
NPS Photo/Terry McKenna

bridge over the upper raceway to the old stoney road trail
NPS Photo/Terry McKenna

Cherry blossoms in bloom along the pathway behind the falls.
NPS/VIP Terry

A smiling park ranger leans on a railing in front of the 77 ft. Great Falls

Park Tours & Programs

Learn how people, place, & product came together to bring the Industrial Revolution to the United States

Park Ranger in a classroom pointing towards students with raised hands

We offer educators opportunities to link subject matter across the entire curriculum spectrum - American history, geology, and more!

Picture of a Ranger swearing in a Junior Ranger.

Come and join us as one adventures in the wonders of Paterson Great Falls NHP and become a Junior Ranger.

Picture of the United States Army jazz band performing at the park.

Special Use Permits

Special events held inside the park require special use permits.

An overhead photo of an urban area with a highway cutting across it

Directions to the Falls

Driving, parking, and public transportation information

Last updated: February 20, 2026

Highlights

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

72 McBride Avenue Extension
Paterson, NJ 07501

Phone:

973-523-0370

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