Discover One Of New Jersey’s Most Majestic Waterfalls – No Hiking Necessary
New Jersey is home to some incredible natural beauty. You can hike up our mountains and see for miles! But sometimes, we want to enjoy nature without a hike. One of the Garden State’s most striking wonders is just a short walk from a parking lot…in the middle of a city!
The Great Falls and surrounding area are protected as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. While the falls have been instrumental in New Jersey development and industrialization for years, National Park status was established in 2009.
An impressive 77-feet tall, this is actually one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi by width and volume. The falls were formed about 13,000 years ago, when the ice from Glacial Lake Passaic receded.
In 1778, Alexander Hamilton visited the falls and recognized their potential for industry. The town of Paterson was established around the falls, chosen by Secretary of Treasury Hamilton to be the nation’s first planned industrial city. The falls powered cotton, paper and silk mills and were vital in the development of the Colt Revolver. They were used as a hydraulic power source for the manufacturing plant.
The water powered system at Great Falls was one of the first in the nation and was designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, engineer-planner of Washington D.C. Construction began in 1792 and was completed in 1864.
Great Falls National Historic Park is a 118-acre site, with the falls at the center. You can also find several restored mills, water flow raceways, a welcome center and gift shop. The Paterson Museum is within walking distance. Admission to the park is free and tours are offered.
A fun fact about the Great Falls? They’re the spot where Sam Patch, the "Jersey Jumper," got his start. In 1827, the 20-year-old mill employee decided to make the jump from the top of the falls for show. He survived and soon became a legend. He performed many miraculous jumps, even becoming the first man to survive a trip over the Niagara Falls. His career spanned two years, until he ruptured a blood vessel making a 125-foot jump in Rochester, NY.
New Jersey’s own Niagara, the Great Falls are scenic, historic, and all around spectacular. While you’re free to stroll the paths and cross the footbridges for a variety of perspectives, you can also choose to sit and relax. You’ll often see painters and photographers honing their craft at this scenic spot! While the Overlook Lot is currently closed while the park gets a fantastic “face lift,” there are plenty of other parking options available. For more details, click here. To discover another no-hike waterfall in New Jersey (with an optional short staircase hike for aerial views), click here.
Kristen is a freelance writer, editor and social-media manager who really loves her state. She's here to share all that New Jersey has to offer with residents and the rest of the world.
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