Great Falls of the Passaic

Paterson, NJ was founded as an industrial city in the late 18th century. Alexander Hamilton envisioned the site along the Passaic River as the heart of the U.S.’s first manufacturing city. Many kinds of mills were constructed along the falls, harnessing its water power. Cotton, textiles and dyes were produced at Paterson.

The Great Falls span 260 feet wide and go up 77 feet high, gushing out 2 billion gallons of water every single day. The site is no longer used for manufacturing and has since become a National Historic Landmark. According to the National Park Service, the best time for visitors to see the falls is anytime from sunrise to sunset.