We're not known for our waterfalls here in New Jersey, but we do have a few stunners. Buttermilk Falls and Silver Spray near the Delaware Water Gap are favorites among hikers and Hemlock Falls really shines after a storm. The star of the state however is the Great Falls, located in Paterson. People are often skeptical of the city, but the falls are fairly separate from more urban areas and are easily accessible from Route 80.

The Great Falls and surrounding area are protected as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. While the falls have been instrumental in New Jersey development and industrialization for years, National Park status was established in 2009.

An impressive 77-feet tall, this is actually one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi by width and volume. The falls were formed about 13,000 years ago, when the ice from Glacial Lake Passaic receded.

In 1778, Alexander Hamilton visited the falls and recognized their potential for industry. The town of Paterson was established around the falls, chosen by Secretary of Treasury Hamilton to be the nation’s first planned industrial city. The falls powered cotton, paper and silk mills and were vital in the development of the Colt Revolver. They were used as a hydraulic power source for the manufacturing plant.

The water powered system at Great Falls was one of the first in the nation and was designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, engineer-planner of Washington D.C. Construction began in 1792 and was completed in 1864.

Great Falls National Historic Park is a 118-acre site, with the falls at the center. You can also find several restored mills, water flow raceways, a welcome center and gift shop. The Paterson Museum is within walking distance. Admission to the park is free and tours are offered.

A fun fact about the Great Falls? They’re the spot where Sam Patch, the "Jersey Jumper," got his start. In 1827, the 20-year-old mill employee decided to make the jump from the top of the falls for show. He survived and soon became a legend. He performed many miraculous jumps, even becoming the first man to survive a trip over the Niagara Falls. His career spanned two years, until he ruptured a blood vessel making a 125-foot jump in Rochester, NY.

To see the falls up close, walk across one of the fantastic footbridges, providing spectacular views. Perhaps one of the coolest things about the falls is that you can be part of its future. The National Park Service has drafted several plans related to the development of the park and is looking for visitor input. A meeting will be held on January 30th at Rogers Meeting Center. It will be open to the public. For more information click here.

To fully experience the falls, you have to see them for yourself. They're spectacular in every season, but if you want to wait until warmer weather, enjoy this video by Outta The Way. Be sure to keep the volume low, the powerful, rushing falls can get a bit loud.

Have you been to the Great Falls before? Do you plan on going now? Did you learn anything new or do you have something to add? Let me know in the comments!