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Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 11,212 Google reviews · Running trail in Paterson, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
National historical park known for a 77-ft. waterfall that sparked water-power development in 1792.
What runners say about Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
“I went today to see the ice on the falls and it was stunning.”
Waterfalls are magical creations of nature. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are torrential and loud, dumping thousands of gallons of water per second, sending mist hundreds of feet up into the air as water soars over a mountain or cliff edge.
I love waterfalls! Went yesterday for the first time (shockingly since I live in jersey!) definitely wear your walking shoes. There are steps so it would be hard to take something that rolls.. (wheelchair, walker, stroller, ect.) what a beautiful place!
Pure magic at the Paterson Great Falls today! ✨ It was a rare moment of perfect timing—the rising temperatures sent a massive surge of water rushing through the Passaic River, while a pristine blanket of snow still covered the grounds. To top it off, the walking bridge finally reopened today!
Beautiful and powerful waterfall! The Paterson Great Falls is truly a hidden gem with stunning views and rich history. The sound of the rushing water and the sight of the falls is breathtaking — a must-visit if you are in New Jersey.
Trail conditions & character
“Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is an urban gem featuring a thunderous 77-foot waterfall, the second-largest by volume on the East Coast.”
“There is a small parking lot available for free parking but it’s not so easy to get to if you don’t know where you are going.”
“(wheelchair, walker, stroller, ect.”
Plan your run at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(973) 523-0370
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Paterson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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