New Jersey is home to some incredible natural beauty. You can hike up our mountains and see for miles! But sometimes, we want to enjoy nature without a hike. One of the Garden State’s most striking wonders is just a short walk from a parking lot… in the middle of a city! If you’re always searching online for “waterfalls near me” but hoping not to have to go too far, Great Falls is the place for you. Now is the time to see it- it’s truly something spectacular! Check out the videos below to witness the gorgeous views of the falls and read on to learn more.

Flickr/Paterson Great Falls
The Great Falls and surrounding area are protected as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. While the falls have been instrumental in New Jersey development and industrialization for years, National Park status was established in 2009.
Flickr/Paterson Great Falls
An impressive 77-feet tall, this is actually one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi by width and volume. The falls were formed about 13,000 years ago when the ice from Glacial Lake Passaic receded.
Flickr/Paterson Great Falls
In 1778, Alexander Hamilton visited the falls and recognized their potential for industry. The town of Paterson was established around the falls, chosen by Secretary of Treasury Hamilton to be the nation’s first planned industrial city. The falls powered cotton, paper, and silk mills and were vital in the development of the Colt Revolver. They were used as a hydraulic power source for the manufacturing plant.

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Flickr/Paterson Great Falls
The water-powered system at Great Falls was one of the first in the nation and was designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, engineer-planner of Washington D.C. Construction began in 1792 and was completed in 1864.
Flickr/Paterson Great Falls
Great Falls National Historic Park is a 118-acre site, with the falls at the center. You can also find several restored mills, water flow raceways, a welcome center, and a gift shop. The Paterson Museum is within walking distance. Admission to the park is free and tours are offered. You might think you have to access the best hiking trails with waterfalls in New Jersey to find one like this, but Great Falls is so easy to find.
Flickr/Paterson Great Falls
A fun fact about the Great Falls: the waterfall is the spot where Sam Patch, the "Jersey Jumper," got his start. In 1827, the 20-year-old mill employee decided to make the jump from the top of the falls for show. He survived and soon became a legend. He performed many miraculous jumps, even becoming the first man to survive a trip over the Niagara Falls. His career spanned two years, until he ruptured a blood vessel making a 125-foot jump in Rochester, NY. Great Falls is not only the site of adventures, but also one of the best waterfall "hikes" in New Jersey!

New Jersey’s own Niagara, the Great Falls are scenic, historic, and all around spectacular. While you’re free to stroll the paths and cross the footbridges for a variety of perspectives, you can also choose to sit and relax. You’ll often see painters and photographers honing their craft at this scenic spot! While the Overlook Lot is currently closed while the park gets a fantastic “face lift,” there are plenty of other parking options available. For more details, head over to the NPS website. To discover another no-hike waterfall in New Jersey (with an optional short staircase hike for aerial views), check out this beautiful gem.

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Waterfalls Near Me

Danielle Schwartz | March 23, 2022

What are the best family-friendly hikes in New Jersey?

If you're looking for easy hikes that will be great for the whole family, check out Stony Lake Loop and Tillman Ravine. Stony Lake Loop is a low-key hike around Stony Lake. There are even two waterfalls if you want more of your favorite water feature! Sometimes you can even see a beaver dam on the lake. Stony Lake Loop is 2.5 or 1.3 miles, depending on which route you take. Tillman Ravine is another easy choice- it is in a hemlock forest and has some smaller waterfalls too! This hike is only one mile, so it's a good choice even for those who don't want to walk a long way.

What state parks should I visit in New Jersey?

You should definitely stop by High Point State Park and Cape May Point State Park while you're in New Jersey. High Point State Park is located at the summit of Kittatinny Ridge, and is the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803 feet. The views are unmatched! Cape May Point State Park is the best choice for those who love birdwatching. Their famous bird migration in the fall is well-known by nature enthusiasts in the area is absolutely worth seeing.

What is the most scenic hike in New Jersey?

Many would say that the most scenic hike in New Jersey is found in the Apshawa Preserve in West Milford. Take a beautiful hike around Butler Reservoir and take in the gorgeous water views and peaceful atmosphere. There are different options for your route depending on how far you want to walk- you can choose between 2.2, 3.2, or 5.3 miles. It does have steeper moments, as well as some areas where you might get wet, but it is well worth your time to make the trip!

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