Mary Ellen Kramer Park

A Waterfall Wonder

Tucked away in Paterson, New Jersey, Mary Ellen Kramer Park sits right beside the Great Falls on Maple Street, just a stone's throw from Hinchliffe Stadium. The park offers a close-up view of the magnificent waterfall, with a proximity to the rushing waters that few other places provide.

From here, you can witness the raw power of the Passaic River as it thunders through the Great Falls. It's widely regarded as one of the east coast's more impressive waterfall views, with a cool mist that reaches visitors standing at the viewpoints.

Exploring the Space

The park features several walking trails and paved paths that wind around, offering different perspectives of the falls and the surrounding landscape. There are benches placed throughout, good spots to sit and listen to the sound of cascading water.

On warmer days, the shade from mature trees provides welcome relief, making this an ideal spot for both relaxation and photography. The park isn't huge - you can wander through the entire area in a couple of hours - which makes it well-suited for a spontaneous day trip when you need a nature fix.

What You'll Find

Scattered within the grounds are picnic tables where you can enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in the views. There are also open grassy areas that provide plenty of space to spread out a blanket or just lounge in the sun.

Note that parking can be a bit tricky, especially during weekends and holidays. Most visitors end up finding street parking nearby, as there's no dedicated lot for the park itself.

A Slice of History

The park bears the name of Mary Ellen Kramer, Paterson's former first lady who played a crucial role in establishing the Great Falls National Historic Landmark District. She was instrumental in reopening this beautiful space to the public in the 1970s after decades of closure.

Interestingly, people have been visiting this spot to admire the waterfall since the 1770s, but the area was closed during World War II for strategic reasons and remained off-limits until the 1970s.

Recent Revitalization

The park's current layout came to life through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, non-profit organizations, and public funding through the City of Paterson.

In 2015, Paterson completed a significant rehabilitation project that breathed new life into the park and its amenities. This restoration was made possible through partnerships with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres program, Passaic County's Open Space & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, and the Passaic River Coalition.

In recent years, ongoing renovations and clean-up efforts have continued as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park initiative. These improvements aim to enhance your visit while preserving both the natural beauty and historical significance of this special place.