|
|
Great Falls
In the midst of a struggling urban center, you can witness nature at its powerful and beautiful best at the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
Visitors can observe the majestic tumble of water—an estimated 2 billion gallons daily—and the 77-foot drop from several vantage points, including a footbridge that spans the Falls, offering a bird’s-eye view.
In the late 1700s, this awe-inspiring rush of water led Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton to implement a mill system that harnessed the energy of the Falls and turned Paterson into an early manufacturing center. Over the years, Paterson’s factories churned out a range of products, including silk (hence the nickname Silk City), aircraft engines, and firearms.
With the passing of Paterson’s industrial heyday, the city became better known for crime and poverty, and its natural wonder—the Great Falls—was largely overlooked. Then in March, President Obama signed a bill declaring the Falls a national historic park. The designation will make the area eligible for much-needed redevelopment funds. Planned projects include an amphitheater and public plaza. For now, the Falls are the star of the show.
Information about the Falls is available from the Paterson Cultural Center, 65 McBride Avenue Extension, 973-279-9587.
Click on the links below to read our Fall Day Trips stories:
Take A Hike: Aching feet and burning quads are a small price to pay for a trek on New Jersey's Appalachian Trail.
Shudder And Quake: From fright fests to haunted hayrides, ghostly attraction abound in NJ.
Patriots Chilled: Tour the grounds where Washington's (shivering) army slept.
Where The Wizard Worked: Editson's West Orange lab reopens its doors after a five-year restoration.
Rise To The Challenge: Tour New Jersey's Historic Lighthouses.
Forging Ties: Batsto Village in Burlington County is a many-layerd Jersey pleasure.
Break Out Your Bonnets: From tea dances to murder myster dinners, Cape May's Victorian Week will put you in a gingerbread frame of mind.
Happy Harvests: In October, the Garden State's food and wine festivals invite you to put your month where your mouth is.
Golden Golf: Don't even think about putting away your clubs this month, New Jersey courses beckon.
Openings & Closings
2010/03/19Table Hopping with Rosie
Rosie has the latest news on NJ restaurant openings and closings.
Cheers to Haiti
2010/02/26From the Editors
Let’s face it. This “snowicane” sweeping across New Jersey right now is nothing compared to the disastrous earthquake that hit Haiti in January. Last night, at the Benefit for Haiti Relief at the Chandelier Room in the W Hoboken, I was reminded of this. And that’s a good enough reason for me to brave a little snow.
Being Prepared
2010/03/19NJ My Way
There are some experiences fathers are just not prepared for in life. Driving a minivan. Disneyland vacations. Prolonged holiday visits with in-laws. Maturing. Little things.
Stuck in Traffic 3
2010/03/19Plain Sight: A Jersey Photo Blog
But now I was abreast of the King of Trucks, a Peterbilt (though those are fighting words to them that believe Kenworth is the King of Trucks. Me? I like 'em both.)
Getting Ready to 'Get Fit'
2010/01/04Lost in the Suburbs
Starting this afternoon, I will be taking part in Get Fit New Jersey, a rigorous, 24-week fitness program at Life Time Athletic in Florham Park. Naturally, I spent the weekend stuffing my face with as much holiday chocolate and other goodies as possible.
