Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

The story of Paterson and its Great Falls demonstrates how the natural and cultural diversity of the area helped fuel the economic and social growth of a young nation. Join a staff member for this 45-minute to 1-hour, 1-mile walk to discover how the natural world inspired a founding father, entrepreneurs, immigrants, poets and artists to build the nation's first industrial city and changed the world. From the formation of the falls to the modern era, connect with the places, products, and people which transformed our daily lives.

Please wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing/shoes. The walk will be on along paved and unpaved paths with uneven footing. Guided tours led by the National Park Service or its designees can follow paved, wheelchair-accessible routes (assistance may be required, especially along narrow city sidewalks).

The story of Paterson and its Great Falls demonstrates how the natural and cultural diversity of the area helped fuel the economic and social growth of a young nation. Join a staff member for this 45-minute to 1-hour, 1-mile walk to discover how the natural world inspired a founding father, entrepreneurs, immigrants, poets and artists to build the nation's first industrial city and changed the world. From the formation of the falls to the modern era, connect with the places, products, and people which transformed our daily lives.

Please wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing/shoes. The walk will be on along paved and unpaved paths with uneven footing. Guided tours led by the National Park Service or its designees can follow paved, wheelchair-accessible routes (assistance may be required, especially along narrow city sidewalks).

Come to the park for a fun, family friendly bird walk on Saturday, January 17th, from 10:00-11:00am! Meet the ranger at the Alexander Hamilton statue at Overlook Park. 

We will have some binoculars available to borrow and no experience is necessary! Please dress for the weather, including wearing footwear with good traction, as there may be icy areas.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming bird walks in February, March, and April:

-Sunday, February 22 at 10AM - 11:00AM

-Saturday, March 21 at 9:30AM - 10:30AM

-Sunday, April 19 at 9:30AM - 10:30AM

Our ranger led bird walks are beginner friendly and great for families, so no experience is necessary. 

Mark your calendars for our upcoming bird walks in February, March, and April:

-Sunday, February 22 at 10AM - 11:00AM

-Saturday, March 21 at 9:30AM - 10:30AM

-Sunday, April 19 at 9:30AM - 10:30AM

Our ranger led bird walks are beginner friendly and great for families, so no experience is necessary. 

Mark your calendars for our upcoming bird walks in February, March, and April:

-Sunday, February 22 at 10AM - 11:00AM

-Saturday, March 21 at 9:30AM - 10:30AM

-Sunday, April 19 at 9:30AM - 10:30AM

Our ranger led bird walks are beginner friendly and great for families, so no experience is necessary. 

Mayor Andre Sayegh, the City of Paterson & Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park present the grand opening of The Quarry Lawn & River Walk on Wednesday, May 6 at 11a.m.

See the unveiling of the new 2.5-acre park along the Passaic River that transformed a former industrial site into a public park experience that highlights both the natural beauty of the river and the city's rich manufacturing history.

Join us for another ranger-led bird walk! These walks are beginner friendly and great for families, so no birding experience is necessary.

Bring binoculars if you have them, otherwise we will have some available to borrow. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

Join us for another ranger-led bird walk! These walks are beginner friendly and great for families, so no birding experience is necessary.

Bring binoculars if you have them, otherwise we will have some available to borrow. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

The "America Untold" community art initiative will commemorate America’s 250th birthday (Freedom 250) by inviting community members to create artwork inspired by the untold stories that contributed to the growth of the United States. This special program will take place over the course of three weekends, providing multiple opportunities for participation and creative collaboration. Public participants will be invited to create drawings, paintings, sculptures, poems, or short stories that connect both Paterson’s themes of heritage, innovation, industrial history, the natural world, and sports with the broader Freedom 250 theme of forming a “more perfect union.” Through these artistic expressions, the initiative aims to highlight stories that have shaped both the local community and the nation as a whole.

In addition, local high school students will contribute to the celebration by submitting original artwork that reflects these themes. Their pieces, along with the artwork created by members of the public, will be showcased during July 4th weekend, serving as a culminating exhibition that honors youth creativity while commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.