The waterfall is formed by the Preakness Basalt, an igneous rock layer created by volcanic activity 200 million years ago.
The Great Falls are the second-largest waterfall by volume in the Eastern United States, surpassed only by Niagara Falls.
The site was the location of the first water-powered cotton spinning mill in the United States, established in 1793.
The raceway system, an engineering marvel of the 18th century, was designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who also designed the plan for Washington, D.C.
In 1878, high-wire artist Charles Blondin famously crossed the Great Falls on a tightrope.
The park contains the Hinchliffe Stadium, one of the last remaining stadiums that hosted professional Negro League baseball games.
Paterson became known as 'Silk City' due to the massive concentration of silk mills powered by the falls in the late 19th century.
The park's geology reveals 13,000 years of post-glacial history as the Passaic River carved its way through the basalt cliffs.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park preserves a 77-foot-tall waterfall on the Passaic River, which served as the primary power source for America’s first planned industrial city. Designated a National Historical Park in 2011, the site centers on the Great Falls, a natural landmark that cascades over volcanic basalt rock formations. Alexander Hamilton selected this site in 1791 to establish the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, marking the beginning of the American Industrial Revolution. The park features an extensive raceway system designed to divert river water for waterpower in textile, silk, and locomotive factories. Visitors can explore historic mill buildings, the Mary Ellen Kramer Park overlook, and the Hinchliffe Stadium, a restored Negro Leagues ballpark. The area is integrated into the urban fabric of Paterson, illustrating the intersection of natural power and early manufacturing infrastructure.
The pedestrian bridge spanning the chasm offers a direct, head-on view of the main waterfall drop.
Visit both the Mary Ellen Kramer Park side and the McBride Avenue side to see the falls from different elevations.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the paved paths and the metal grating on the pedestrian bridge overlooking the falls.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic district to observe the early 19th-century factory architecture.
Do not attempt to climb down into the gorge or go near the edge of the cliffs, as these areas are strictly prohibited and hazardous.
The Welcome Center typically operates on a limited schedule throughout the week; outdoor park grounds remain accessible year-round.
Stay behind all safety railings and fences; the basalt rock gorge is steep and dangerous.
