The Great Falls Of New Jersey
It's not Niagara Falls but its still pretty impressive. But you first have to know they are there.
The Paterson New Jersey Great Falls aren’t exactly Niagara. But they are still impressive.
Many people - including life-long New Jersey residents - don’t even know this gem is located in Paterson - New Jersey’s third most populous city.
The Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park surrounds the falls, which are listed on the U.S. and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places. One of the largest waterfalls in the United States, the Great Falls have historical economic significance. When he was Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton selected the site as the nation’s first planned industrial city. Leading to the founding of the then-town of Paterson.
The first water-powered cotton spinning mill in New Jersey was located here. It was also the site of the state’s first continuous roll paper mill. The falls also provided the power for other industries, including the plant that made the Colt Revolver. The Phoenix Mill, constructed in 1813, still stands in the Great Falls Historical District. There’s also a hydroelectric plant at the falls that boasts three turbines.
The waterfall spans 77-feet. I guess that pales in comparison to Niagara Falls which is about 100-feet taller.
My visit coincided with a relatively dry period in New Jersey. A Paterson resident who also was enjoying the view suggested I return following significant rainfall. He says the flow of water is far more impressive and powerful after a heavy rain.
Unfortunately during my visit the footbridge over the falls was closed. But the viewing platform remains open.
Here’s a little bit of TV trivia. The Great Falls were featured in The Sopranos pilot and reappeared and played a prominent role in the sixth episode when a drug dealer was thrown off a bridge and into the falls by two mobsters.
All photos copyright Gary Baumgarten.
If you enjoy my postings please subscribe. There is no charge.
Beautiful!!!!!
I've been there a number of times, Gary. I don't make it up to the area much anymore. But if any New Jersey resident hasn't seen the falls, they should go out of their way to get there at least once.