Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park

A trip to the Paterson Great Falls is a trip back in time. Great Falls was the birthplace for the Industrial Revolution in New Jersey, and the National Park Service preserved this majestic place by making it a National Historic Park. The view makes this park a great place to catch a sunset. Located in the heart of Patterson, the Great Falls National Historic Park is a little difficult to find, but it is well worth the effort. 

Patterson is acknowledged as one of the major starting points for the Industrial Revolution in the United States, and it all started with Alexander Hamilton and Great Falls. Seeing the potential of the falls, Hamilton created a power station at the top. Using the power it generated, mills and factories were attracted to the manufacturing potential of the area. His vision and desire to move New Jersey into the future at Great Falls is the reason Paterson grew to be called "The Silk City."

Spanning 300 feet wide and 77 feet high, the falls are truly a spectacle to see. Over 300 billion gallons of water crest the top of the falls every day and plunge into the valley below. Overlook Park was created to view the falls from the valley, and there is parking available here along with a historical museum across the street. From Overlook Park you can take the self-guided tour on your phone (found here) or just follow the sidewalk up to the bridge and Mary Ellen Kramer Park for some close-up views. Both parks have great views of the falls and plenty of places to picnic or just hang out and relax.