You don’t need to be a huge hiking fan to enjoy New Jersey’s natural beauty. Spectacular places can be found everywhere, including where some would least expect them. In the middle of one of the Garden State’s grittier cities lies a gem of a waterfall. Part of a National Historical Park, I’ve always found my visits to be picturesque and pleasant.

You can practically drive right up to the falls, even scoring some sweet views from the parking area.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park/Facebook
Of course, you'll likely want to take a short walk around the park...
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park/Facebook
You can enjoy a variety of views, including up close experiences thanks to a footbridge.
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park/Facebook
The falls are beautiful all year long!
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park/Facebook
They're picturesque and powerful. In fact, these falls are some of the largest by volume in the Northeast!
Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park/Facebook

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They're frequently a source of inspiration for artists...
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park/Facebook
And surrounded by historic buildings, the falls are also a favorite among history buffs.
Paterson Great Falls/Flickr
You'll often find enchanting rainbows here...
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park/Facebook
And the falls are just as magical when frozen over.
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park/Facebook
If you decide to visit (the park is free and open to the public) stop of the Welcome Center and Paterson Museum nearby!
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park/Facebook
And visit you should! You'll enjoy a gorgeous waterfall but there's plenty more to discover!
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
You'll find factory ruins, the historic Hinchliffe Stadium, and other interesting tidbits on signs throughout the park. Here's a quick history lesson to start you off...

Paterson was America's first planned industrial city and it was powered by the falls. Founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1792, the town has a rich milling history. It is known as the Silk City and is home to one of the world's first submarines. The falls themselves are 77 feet tall and 300 feet wide. They currently power a hydroelectric plant that provides clean energy to local neighborhoods.

Have you been? It’s always been a treat to visit in my experience.

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Great Falls, Paterson, NJ, USA