Waterfall Hikes Near Paterson, NJ
within 50 miles
Paterson has the rare thing, a major waterfall downtown. Passaic Falls drops 77 feet through a basalt chasm a half-mile walk from the street, and Alexander Hamilton picked this spot for the country's first planned industrial city because of that power. Everything else radiates outward. Buttermilk Falls in the Water Gap stands 165 feet, a stiff 1.5-mile climb, swimming allowed at the bottom. Rippowan Falls takes a mile. Twenty-five falls come within range, and the best one is walking distance.
Map of Waterfalls Near Paterson
Today's Conditions
Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service
Water Flow
24 waterfalls near Paterson have live flow data today
Updated about 2 hours ago via USGS
Best Day to Hike
Saturday
Sunny · 83°F
Flowing best right now near Paterson
Updated about 2 hours agoRanked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.
- 1 Stony Kill Falls Low · 343 cfs 21st percentile
- 2 Verkeerder Kill Falls Low · 343 cfs 21st percentile
- 3 Foul Rift Falls Low · 3910 cfs 12th percentile
- 4 Buttermilk Falls Low · 76 cfs 11th percentile
- 5 Tillman Falls Barely Flowing · 29 cfs 9th percentile
- 6 Rippowan Falls Barely Flowing · 11 cfs 9th percentile
Know when to go.
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Find waterfalls to hike near Paterson
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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Paterson (6 waterfalls)
Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.
🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Paterson (22 waterfalls)
Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.
All 25 Waterfalls Near Paterson
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Paterson
Are there free waterfalls near Paterson?
There are 16 free waterfalls near Paterson, including Bass Lake Falls.
Are there easy waterfall hikes near Paterson?
There are 6 easy waterfall hikes near Paterson, including Dingmans Falls.
Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Paterson?
There are 22 dog-friendly waterfalls near Paterson, including Bass Lake Falls.
Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Paterson?
There are 22 kid-friendly waterfalls near Paterson, including Bass Lake Falls.
Can you swim in any waterfalls near Paterson?
There is 1 waterfall that allows swimming near Paterson, including Buttermilk Falls.
What is the shortest waterfall hike near Paterson?
The shortest waterfall hike near Paterson is Bass Lake Falls at 0.1 miles round trip.
How tall are the waterfalls near Paterson?
The tallest waterfall near Paterson is Verkeerder Kill Falls at 187 feet.
Can I camp near the waterfalls around Paterson?
Yes, 17 waterfalls near Paterson have nearby campgrounds.
What is the closest waterfall to Paterson?
The closest waterfall to Paterson is Passaic Falls, approximately 0.9 miles away.
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Where to Stay
Home2 Suites By Hilton Wayne, NJ
DoubleTree by Hilton Fairfield Hotel & Suites
Hilton Garden Inn Wayne
Garner Hotel Totowa by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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