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Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Passaic Falls
Great Falls of the Passaic River (commonly called Passaic Falls) plunges about 77 feet in the heart of Paterson, New Jersey, and ranks among the largest waterfalls in the eastern United States by volume. Nestled within Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and administered by the National Park Service, the falls are an evocative urban natural landmark framed by historic mills and 19th-century industrial infrastructure. The concentrated roar of the river and the dramatic gorge make it a striking stop for photographers and history-minded walkers alike. According to Wikipedia, the falls played a significant role in the early industrial development of New Jersey, helping power mills and manufacturing during the nation’s infancy. Today the park preserves that industrial heritage alongside easy public access to the cascade; paved walkways, viewing platforms, and interpretive signage link the water feature with the surrounding historic district. It’s an ideal quick outing for visitors exploring Paterson’s downtown history or for anyone wanting a powerful waterfall experience without a long hike.
The Setting
Passaic Falls sits at 105 feet in the coastal lowlands of New Jersey. The falls drop 77 feet.
Height: 77 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Passaic Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 0.1 mile with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain; Height of falls: 77 feet. The route to the main viewpoints is a very short paved path with built viewing platforms and gentle but noticeable grade (short climb to the overlooks). Difficulty is listed as drive_up—many visitors reach the trailhead and viewing areas from nearby parking, making this accessible to most people. Surface: paved walkway and platforms; classification: short urban trail with easy footing and excellent vantage points for photography and interpretation.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 77 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Passaic Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Passaic Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls are beautiful year-round, but they are most impressive in the spring when water flow is at its peak. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter may provide picturesque icy formations.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms. Do not attempt to climb on rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery and dangerous. Be cautious of strong currents in the river.
Current Water Conditions
116.23 ft
Water depth at gauge
About This Gauge
Know when to go.
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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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 99 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 77 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 101 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 61 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 80 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 101 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 99 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Passaic Falls is located in Paterson, New Jersey, within the Great Falls National Historical Park. The falls are easily accessible by car and public transportation. The park is located near Interstate 80 and Route 19, and there are signs directing visitors to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a parking lot near the Great Falls Welcome Center, as well as street parking available in the surrounding area. Parking may be limited during peak times.
Elevation
105 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.916488° N, -74.182089° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day or during weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some paths may be uneven. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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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Nearby Campground
CAMP GATEWAY - STATEN ISLAND
22.9 miles away · 7 sites
Overview This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years. It connects Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island. Not far from the campground is an overlook area which features a vantage point to view the Statue of Liberty NM, the Manhattan Skyline and various forts and batteries in the New York Harbor region. Fortificat
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Paterson Museum, Lambert Castle, and Garret Mountain Reservation.
Wildlife
The area around the falls is home to various bird species and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in the river.
Cities near Passaic Falls
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