The Paterson Great Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall, towering at 77 feet (23 m) high, located on the Passaic River in the city of Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey. This natural wonder and its surrounding area are safeguarded as part of the esteemed Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, which is under the administration of the National Park Service. Its establishment was authorized by Congress in 2009.
This colossal waterfall is one of the largest in the United States and ranks second only to Niagara Falls among the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. It played a pivotal role in the early industrial development of New Jersey, dating back to the earliest days of the nation. Moreover, it has been designated as a National Historic Landmark District since 1976. The Great Falls' raceway and power systems were also recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1977.
