Explore Paterson's history, culture, and environment with one of our public programs:
Public Walking Tours:
A Stroll Through History - The Paterson Great Falls Orientation Walking Tour
Appropriate for families, elementary, middle school, high school, and college/adult groups.
Explore Paterson's rich history on a ranger-guided tour
NPS
The story of Paterson and its Great Falls demonstrates how the natural and cultural diversity of the area helped fuel the economic and social growth of a young nation. Join a staff member for this 45-minute to 1-hour, 1-mile walk to discover how the natural world inspired a founding father, entrepreneurs, immigrants, poets and artists to build the nation's first industrial city and changed the world. From the formation of the falls to the modern era, connect with the places, products, and people which transformed our daily lives.
Please wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing/shoes. The walk will be on along paved and unpaved paths with uneven footing. Guided tours led by the National Park Service or its designees can follow paved, wheelchair-accessible routes (assistance may be required, especially along narrow city sidewalks). If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the park and review our accessibility resources.
When: Wednesday-Sunday at 2PM through December 16, 2023. Beginning December 17, 2023, park ranger availability and 2PM tours are provided on weekends as staffing permits. Please call 973-523-0370 the day of your visit to ensure availability.
Where: Meet at the statue of Alexander Hamilton in Overlook Park at the main park address.
Safety Alert: - Guided programs may be shortened or cancelled in cases of severe weather or if there is excessive heat or cold. Please review our safety guidelines beforehand. If you have any questions day-of, contact the park during staffed hours.
Self-Guided Walking Tour
Visiting the park but can't attend a ranger guided tour? Try our free self-guided walking tour! Learn the history of Paterson and the Great Falls at your own pace. Explore the official Mill Mile page or ask a ranger for more information.
Program Reservations
Interested in a program at the Park, having a ranger visit your location, or a virtual program? Check out our Education Page for a variety of school and adult education offerings! Otherwise, to request a specialized program, visit our Program Reservations Page.
Please note: we are encouraging all participants to practice current state and local COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor gatherings - mask wearing and following proper social distancing guidelines. If participants are not properly following COVID-19 guidelines, the staff member has the right to stop the tour at any time.
National Park Week 2024: April 20-28
National Park Service
National Park Week is an 8-day celebration of all things NPS! On the first day, entrance fees are waived to encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks. Here at Paterson Great Falls, we are a fee-free park, but we encourage you to use this opportunity to visit an NPS site nearby that you have never been to! Make sure to check with the site you want to visit to confirm their hours and availability.
Join us at Paterson Great Falls NHP for the following activities and programs, weather permitting:
-April 20: Discovery. Discover the joys of nature and join Ranger Emma for birding at the park from 10am to 12pm!
-April 21: Volunteers. Learn about opportunities to volunteer for a single event or long-term position and come meet our great volunteers!
-April 22: Earth Day. Join the global celebration encouraging education and stewardship of the planet's natural resources. You can also find ways to practice conservation at home!
-April 23: Innovation. History of our nation's innovation is preserved in national parks. Learn about how Paterson is home to a hotbed of industry and innovation.
-April 24: Workforce Wednesday. Meet our incredible workforce of employees, interns, fellows, volunteers, contractors, partners, and more. Consider joining our team!
-April 25: Youth Engagement. Calling the rising generation of stewards! Learn about the opportunities for youth and young adults to get involved and see what your peers are up to.
-April 26: Community Connections. Learn about the important work our programs and partners are doing in communities across the country both within and outside of our park boundaries.
-April 27: Junior Ranger Day. For kids (and kids at heart), become a Junior Ranger through in-person or online activities to learn about special places or topics. Earn a Junior Ranger badge at the park!
-April 28: Arts in Parks. Learn about preserving and practicing arts in your communities through the work of our programs and partners.
