Great Falls
New York • 77 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Great Falls
Great Falls, located in Paterson, New Jersey, is a stunning waterfall on the Passaic River. It is one of the largest waterfalls by volume in the eastern United States and is part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. The falls are known for their historical significance and natural beauty.
The Setting
Great Falls sits at 430 feet along the Black River, in the coastal lowlands of New York. The falls drop 77 feet.
Height: 77 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to view Great Falls is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It includes paved paths and viewing platforms that provide excellent vantage points of the waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 77 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Great Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Great Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically higher, and the surrounding foliage adds to the scenic beauty.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms. The rocks near the falls can be slippery and dangerous. Avoid approaching the water's edge.
Current Water Conditions
1,040 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 106 years of record
2.57 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER AT WATERTOWN NY (2 km away).
Today
Low
1123 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
1128 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
1076 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
1057 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
1117 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
1261 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
1260 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Watertown hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 55 feet of drop through Great Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The full 77 feet the falls are listed at is spread over a longer run than this window: along the whole mile-long profile the ground drops about 82 feet. The brink sits at about 402 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 402 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 55 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Great Falls is located in Paterson, New Jersey, and is easily accessible by car. The address for the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is 72 McBride Avenue Extension, Paterson, NJ 07501.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the park, and street parking may also be available. Parking is generally free, but availability can vary during peak times.
Elevation
430 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.977010° N, -75.906576° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on paved paths, and bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Check the weather forecast before your visit, as heavy rain may affect trail conditions.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands
Days Inn by Wyndham Watertown Fort Drum
Quality Inn & Suites Watertown Fort Drum
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Watertown - Thousand Islands 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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Paterson Museum, Lambert Castle, and Garret Mountain Reservation.
Wildlife
Visitors may see birds such as herons and ducks, as well as small mammals in the surrounding park area.
Cities near Great Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Great Falls
12 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Great Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.