Parking is extremely limited on weekends & event days. Overflow parking is available at the Paterson Museum, located at 2 Market Street. On weekends only, additional parking is available at the lot across from the Museum.
Full details →+3 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
Located in New Jersey, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park preserves a remarkably unique landscape. Unlike typical tourist hubs, this national historical park is cherished by locals and outdoor enthusiasts for its quiet trails, scenic views, and raw natural beauty.
About Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is a national historical park located in New Jersey. http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.91475800178142&lon=-74.1678490947591#.VusP4uIrK71
From: Garden State Parkway (New Jersey) North: Take exit 155P on left to Route 19 TO WEST Route 80 Paterson. South: Take Exit 159 (Saddlebrook) on your right. After taking the exit, make your second right onto I-80 West (Paterson). From: Interstate 80 I-80 West: Take Exit 57 A-B. Taking (Exit 57- B) (Downtown Paterson) follow the Downtown Paterson sign. I-80 East: Take (Exit 57- B), take exit Route 80 west Grand St./ Del Water Gap KEEP RIGHT exit. Stay to the right for Grand Street exit ramp.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Paterson Great Falls is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Food, Dining, and 2 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Paterson Great Falls
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Paterson Great Falls
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Paterson Great Falls before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 4 active alerts for Paterson Great Falls. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Paterson Great Falls. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Paterson Great Falls
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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