Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson

Only 15 miles from NYC, not exactly the easiest 15 miles to travel coming from Long Island but a very unusual setting. Alexander Hamilton selected this location for the first planned industrial city of the US. The idea was to use the hydraulic power of the falls to power a paper mill. Beautiful natural settings with granite cliffs, combined with a waterfall and early Industrial Revolution remnants could become a main draw, unfortunately, the city of Patterson is completely rundown while the place around the park appears to be inhabited by a majority of Muslim immigrants. I wish the city had managed this exceptional asset like Pittsburgh or Richmond but that is not to be apparently. They are going the way of St Louis.

Its a okay place, not that happening..just half n hr you can spend there to see view. Fall is nice but water way too dirty! There is not much to see around.

Great little historical park. Wonderful views of the falls. A bit sketchy with people coming to smoke crack. Aside from that its very beautiful

Its a great find, although the neighborhood seemed a little sketchy.Good photo opts. I would stop and check it out if your looking for a waterfall in the middle of a Jersey road. Free to enter. I would be careful of broken glass on ground. Its a shame people dont take more care of places like this when they visit it.

This park is a fine example of nineteenth-century industrial engineering. In the late eighteenth century, a dam and bypass above the falls fed a reservoir that in turn fed a raceway to a mill. It was a typical structure for the era. However, it proved unstable, and over a half century evolved into the much more elaborate triple-raceway that now exists.The river is now diverted next to the Wayne Avenue bridge and runs along an upper raceway. This is followed after a half mile by a switchback, at which point there is a spillway to the middle raceway, which then retraces the path of the upper raceway. Several mills, including what may have been the first Fourdriner (continuous-spoolpaper mill in America, were along the middle raceway. The middle raceway then turns and runs perpendicular for a while before descending another spillway to the lower raceway. The lower raceway meanders through city streets before returning to the river below the falls. In its day, it powered the Colt revolver and Rogers steam locomotive plants, now in ruins.Unfortunately the park has decayed. Once an oasis in the middle of urban blight, the situation has reversed, with the surrounding area improving even as the park deteriorates. The north end, which contains abandoned mills, is fenced off. The raceways are dry. The explainers that once provided some of this information have disappeared. The pedestrian bridge over the falls is unsafe and closed, meaning that the west end of the park, including Hinchliffe Stadium (as far as I know the only baseball stadium in a national park), is more or less cut off from the rest of the park. And the streets running through the park are in a state of perpetual gridlock, making it difficult to cross safely. One would wish for more funding to give this interesting, and visually stunning park a chance to better show off what it has.If you need your Passport stamped, ring the bell at the park office and a ranger will take care of that.

Historic great falls festival is scheduled Sep 3-5th good place to go at this time and kids and adults both can enjoy

Cool waterfall! Great place for the community gather. Enjoyed the Labor Day festival at the Great Falls! All around, good time. Family friendly!

Beautiful park in Paterson. Take a break from your busy life and walk both sides and take in the scenery. The waterfalls are amazing and there’s even a beaded path that takes you to another side of the park for a great view.

The falls were beautiful even though they were not at full force. The park is kept very nice.Lots of stairs.

Went late one Saturday evening, it was actually closing soon so we came out and parked on the street but other than that it was beautiful! Lovely sunset and even though the waterfall wasnt huge from what we could see it was still pretty

Nice national park with interesting history and great falls. Park rangers were very helpful and they provide two history walking tours @ 11 am and 2 pm. Some sections are not well kept and some garbage in the park. Be careful when crossing pedestrian crosswalks because many cars fail to stop to let pedestrians walk. It was unfortunate that people in the area are not more civic minded; they have a national treasure and the should appreciate people visiting their community rather than driving carelessly and shouting insults.

Great park, beautiful falls, free entrance, Its definitely a great place to enjoy for few hours with family and friends. The park is a short drive from NYC and it feels like you are already somewhere else. You can walk around the park and the falls and its also a very refreshing walk, there are walking tour offered as well. Sadly I got a bit disappointed when We walk through the back of the park and there were a ton of garbage at some areas.

Nice park in the middle of an urban area. The waterfall and basalt columns are beautiful amidst the 18th century industrial buildings.

Lots of places to park and after walking down stairs or a trail along the side you can get close to the beautiful waterfall surrounded by rocks. At the top level you can see a statue of Alexander Hamilton, the founder and on the second a mural. 10/10

Must visit place!!!Its a beautiful fall right in the middle of the city. There is plenty of benches to sit and relax. Its a great place to hang out with friends and family and for picnics.There is a free parking spot right at the entrance and it very convenient and free.

Nice little escape right in the middle of the CityLots of parking spots , which is free ...During the weekend helpful rangers , and staff which guides you through .I am not sure about during the week but in the weekends they have fre yours twice a day , for details check my photosAs its right in the city , which is just few miles away from New York City , its a nice little escape ! Please be aware , this place is not big which means you can finish your entire tour lets say in 2 hours .. its a mini escape which is definitely worth to see if you are nearbyEnjoy

Nice place to go with the family, is not admission fee, plenty of parking spaces.Definetly a must for a day field trip in a low budget, also is nice for a photo opportunity.

Nice place to connect with nature. The bridge that goes on top of the waterfall was closed but we were able to enjoy the beautiful views and the song of the waterfalls

When you forget about the bland surroundings, the streets, worksites and such, this is a very interesting looking place for a short wandering about and looking at waterfalls. I take away a star for the blocked off bridge that takes you over the falls. Without it you have to leave the grounds, at least if youve parked close to the main entrance, and take a stroll down the nearby road, then turn back in. Kills the mood.

Shouldnt be called "great" for its look, but if it was for its old purpose then fine. Parking on one side of park seemed fine, but the other side was only parallel parking. This wouldnt be an issue, if the main bridge to cross wasnt closed >:[ Ultimately the low rating was due to the lack of access to arguably the best part of this park/waterfall area...the bridge.

Really beautiful but the footbridge is closed until further notice. The way around isnt too much walking, but be prepared to do more than typical.

I love the natural beauty of the falls which is rather unusually situated in an urban area. The main overlook, which is near the parking lot would offer the best views. The bridge was closed otherwise that would have been a better view..

A hidden gem in the city of Patterson. Surrounded by beautiful brick buildings (constructionand trees, the great falls are nestled in the natural mountain scape. There is plenty of seating on either of the three levels of the park. There is a newly paved trail for walking or biking. Despite being in a city, the Great Falls are quiet and serene.

Beautiful views but only on the Mary Ellen Kramer side. The footbridge is closed since August of 2021 due to safety reasons. However according to the Record newspaper, there is a dispute as to who owns the bridge, so it sits unrepaired and/or unreplaced.Sad, because its closure seriously detracts from the visit. You have to access the other side by a street bridge that is also under construction. Today, there was no parking on site due to an event taking up the parking lot.On the Mary Ellen Kramer side, there are no bathrooms and parking was on street. Frankly, as Beautiful as the falls are, at least today, it was a non visitor friendly place

Spectacular view of the Falls. Shame the bridge to walk over the Falls was closed for construction at the time of my visit, but beautiful all the same. A few historical plaques to read to broaden your knowledge.

Minus the occasional litter its a very nice area. The waterfalls are an oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle!

It has become our tradition to bring any visiting friends or guests to this beautiful place every summer. The bridge is an architectural wonder while the happy waterfalls is a peaceful contrast to the city that thrives beside it. But this year, the bridge was partially closed and it was a bit of a disappointment as we couldnt go walk across the bridge to the other side like we always do. But yet, it is a must see place. Also, the close-up view of the falls is stroller and wheel-chair accessible.

We love the Great Falls. I only wish theyd fix the bridge, crossing it was always a high point.If they were smart, theyd put in a snack bar, so people would stay longer.

It has very scenic views. It is in an urban area so certain spots had more litter in it than others. This park is a work in process. The one side still needs to be updated and cleaned up more and the side with.parking is much better maintsined.

Waterfalls are really pretty but there is nothing else besides the falls. Parking is right next to it, no need to hike to the falls

Cool waterfall with some historical significance. The park (and waterhad tons of trash, although there was a park ranger attempting to clean up.

I always find the Falls to be relaxing and calming. Just a few blocks from my house. There are a few free events on the summer that you can bring your kids and have a good time.

The falls is a sight to see. You will need to search for this falls. There is free parking and you can trek to the top of the falls. The water can still be maintained, it is very dirty. You can also plan for picnics here as there are lots of spaces. Weekends are busy so plan properly.

Such an amazing piece of history. I recommend to read about the place before going. Also, visiting the little museum are they have across the street before you actually go see the falls. They have a miniature model on what the falls where like in its glory days. This will give a better aderstanding what you are seeing. It not just water falling over. It it history. Its importance. Its contribution to the world of today. Its potetional. Also to what could had been and it was not.The city has done some major restoration to the visitors are. They have benches right in front of the water fall in which you can vast in its glory. The are clean public bathrooms. They have a bridge that goes right over the falls. It is a must do. The entire area is like a trip back in time. If you are a history fan, as am I, you will enjoy this a lot.You should visit during the day. There is a park on the other side of the bridge you go have a picnic or relax hear the sound of water. Such an amazing relaxing experience. The view is much better. There is parking available. It is wheelchair accessible.

Its such a beautiful sight to behold.The sad part is that its not kept cleaned up very well. There was trash all over the ground. But its definitely worth stopping if youre in the area.

amazing unexpected views near NJ highway. Paterson is historic but the city itself is dull and looks not well developed but it is located near this gorgeous view and you should definitely visit.

It’s a beautiful landmark and wonderful falls in a slightly rough area. You can view the falls from the parking lot, the lower deck, or climb up and go to the bridge above the falls. It was closed when I went in mid April, maybe due to the weather or season, but it was still a great view.

A cool hidden treasure!! The area could be cleaned up/maintained more but thats up to visitors to tidy after themselves as well. Construction makes it a little concerning to walk around to the other side by the main street. Otherwise it was a fun day date.

Really nice find in Paterson! Impressive waterfall with nice views. The bridge is closed at this time, but you can get next to it for to see more of the park. Safe with many families and park rangers there for information. Highly suggest checking this place out.

Amazing scenery, wish whoever the mayor is would care more to make this place cleaner. There is trash, careless people in motorcycles and bicycles, even saw some homeless inside the park. The place itself is beautiful.

Nice experience. Was bummed out the bridge over the falls was closed (and still is closed indefinitely). If you are around or within a quick drive, I would recommend visiting the place. Its rather amazing such a natural gem existing in the middle of a city on the highlight populated East Coast NJ metro areas.

It’s a beautiful waterfall, but there was a lot of construction going on and we couldn’t get to the other side of the park because the bridge was closed.

Its a beautiful waterfall in the middle of the city. But looks like its getting polluted and mixed with sewer. Can visit and read the history of the renewal hydroelectric power generation which was closed long time back. There are some construction going on to maintain the place, hope by the summer it will look more maintained. Also, I went in winter session so not much crowded.

Such beauty! I really wish they would clean the litter. Actually stop littering because this place is so gorgeous and beautiful. Right in our back yards! The Water is so peaceful! From the falls down to the quiet reflective banks i was not disappointed. I was just in a state of quiet taking in the rushing of the falls! I was calm and felt at peace here! I Recommend this as a nice spot to hold hands with someone you love! A great place to just enjoy being alive to see such a thing! Come but be careful because it’s in disrepair sadly where the bridge is and walking around you could trip or roll an ankle! But such is life!

Other than the god awful traffic that it causes in the area, you got to love the falls. It’s a point of pride for Paterson residents. Right now there is some construction going on at the bridge which has made the traffic much worse than usual (especially in the mornings and at rush hour). However it’s usually a nice place to visit any time of year.Most people only come when the weather is nice but it’s also quite beautiful in the fall and winter due to the leaves changing colors and the ice/snow creating a winter wonderland affect. It was be a 5 out of 5 stars location if both the tourist and residents would bother to stop littering and actually tried to keep it clean.

Beautiful! 6 mins from Garrett Mountain too! Bridge is closed but you can still access the other side off of Maple Ave. Several areas to sit and enjoy the falls. Very serene

I think the place is not well maintained - I wish the government make more effort so that more people we be attracted to visit the place. The falls is amazing with a strong drop of water and the sound it created is a relaxing. This is a small park with available parking area.

Amazing place, if you ever near by to this Paterson area this is must see. Very beautiful area not huge so you can be free in 1-2hrs time. View of the fall are spectacular specially from observation deck and if you want to get close to waterfall goto Rainbow Bridge which is very near. Rest the photos should speaks for itself.

Wow, What an unexpected find in the middle of Paterson! The falls are beautiful, especially in the middle of a city and the history is fascinating. The visitor center is closed due to the pandemic, but the short walk across the pedestrian bridge to an overlook gives really good views of the falls. You can feel the gushing water and the power of the falls. This is a natural source of power in the old days! There is an industrial building that shows how the mill works with the falls.An excellent way to spend a couple of hours to see both nature and history.

The Great Falls was very beautiful and quite unexpected in the middle of a busy neighborhood. There were little performances and a history of the falls and on the other side of the bridge was a beautiful well maintained park with benches and table. Lawn is well kept and the whole vibe of the place is quite relaxing. The reason they lost 1 star is because there is no proper bathrooms available, there are porter potties on the other side of the park so no running water and not easy to get back to. Other than that I would definitely return.