Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
3 of 4 · National Parks in New York
National Park · New York, NY

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

About

National historical park known for a 77-ft. waterfall that sparked water-power development in 1792.

Reviews lean positive — 4.5 out of 5 across 11,386 Google reviews.

The gates never close, so an early run and a late walk are both on the table. Parking is the easy part: a free lot and free street parking. And if it does not suit, 3 more national parks in New York are listed further down this page.

The quick take

Drawn from this listing's ratings, amenities, hours and how it stacks up against other national parks in New York.

What works

  • Solid local standing

    A 4.5 average from 11,386 reviews puts it comfortably above the middle of the pack.

  • A genuine local landmark

    11,386 reviews is the kind of number a place only reaches when the whole city knows it.

  • Open 24 hours

    No gate times to work around — useful for sunrise starts and after-dark walks alike.

  • Dogs welcome

    Listed as dog-friendly — bring the leash and waste bags anyway.

  • Works with kids

    Flagged as family-friendly, which usually means room to run and somewhere for the adults to sit.

Worth knowing first

  • Popular enough to be busy

    11,386 reviews cuts both ways. Weekend afternoons draw a crowd, so go early or go midweek if you want it quiet.

Planning a visit

General guidance for national parks, adjusted for what this listing records.

What to expect

Protected land at a scale that rewards a full day rather than a quick stop.

A good fit for travellers planning a day around one big landscape.

When to go

Arrive before mid-morning in peak season — visitor centres and the popular pullouts fill first. With 24-hour access, the quiet end of the day is genuinely available to you.

What to bring

  • Entrance pass or payment
  • Food and water for the day
  • Offline maps
  • Leash and waste bags
  • A light if you are going after dark

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

Amenities

Dogs Allowed
Family Friendly
Parking Available

Common questions about Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

What is Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park?

National historical park known for a 77-ft. waterfall that sparked water-power development in 1792. It is a national park in New York, NY, at 72 McBride Ave Ext.

What are the opening hours at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park?

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Are dogs allowed at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park?

Yes — Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is listed as dog-friendly. Leash rules still vary from area to area, so watch for posted signs.

Is there parking at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park?

Parking options here include a free lot and free street parking.

Is Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park good for kids?

Yes — Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is flagged as family-friendly.

How is Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park rated?

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park holds 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,386 Google reviews.

What else is nearby?

New York has 3 other national parks listed on AllParx, including Garret Mountain Reservation, Gateway National Recreation Area (Jamaica Bay Unit) and Nailed By Dreaa.

More National Parks in New York

Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

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