Stream Passaic River

Greater watershed Newark Bay

Height I think just about 20m/66ft

Form Sort of the New Jersey version of Victoria Falls

Volume I have an actual number for this—I think average flow at the falls is 600 cubic feet per second, which is about 17 cubic meters per second. Presumably that's a minimum flow amount, as the falls are regulated by a hydroelectric facility.

General location Paterson, NJ

Specific location Pretty much right in the middle of Paterson, NJ, but you'll still need Google Maps (or to stop someone and ask for directions) to find it—there aren't many signs

Trail access The falls are visible from one of the carparks, and access from the other two (one on each side of the river, above the falls) is only a few minutes at most. Partly handicapped accessible, though there are stairs to some of the viewpoints.

 

Great Falls is, in all likelihood, the largest waterfall in New Jersey. It's quite possible you were not aware that there were waterfalls in New Jersey in the first place. (There are actually quite a few waterfalls in the wilder northwestern corner of the state, but I haven't been to any of those.) Like most large-river waterfalls in the northeastern United States it has been exploited for its hydroelectric potential. This undoubtedly contributed to the industrial growth and flourishing of Paterson, although as you drive through Paterson on your way to the falls, you'll wonder whether it was worth it.

 

Great Falls is situated more or less on the border between a run-down industrial downtown area (on the river-right) and an underprivileged residential neighborhood (on the river-left). A small park on the residential side, overlooking the falls, was looking rather desolate on the day we visited, though the rain could have also had something to do with that. The waterfall itself at any state of flow is not pretty; its separate streams (the number increases as the water drops) hurtle down into a roiling canyon that you definitely wouldn't want to fall into. From no angle can they be seen without some kind of human intrusion. This is a waterfall that has lived with humans and learned their scheming ways. That said, it is reasonably impressive, though I wouldn't recommend a special trip; if you happen to be in Paterson (may God have mercy on your soul) or nearby, do stop by for a visit at least.