Passaic: Nature and Industrial History

The Passaic County Park System manages more than 16,000 acres of protected open space, parks, trails, athletic fields, and recreational facilities throughout the county. Natural areas and historic sites offer different points of interest to help you plan your trip.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Apshawa Preserve spans 583 acres, includes diverse habitats, and encompasses the 40-acre Butler Reservoir. More than five miles of marked trails are open for hiking, biking, horseback riding, nature watching, and fishing. Access is via Northwood Drive, off Macopin Road in West Milford. Since access conditions and trail conditions can change, check both before your visit.

The Great Falls of the Passaic River is designated a National Natural Landmark. Long Pond Ironworks State Park is located in northern Passaic County. These descriptions highlight different things: one is a designated natural landmark, while the other is the location of a state park within the county.

Passaic County park rangers regularly organize public hikes and environmental education programs for various age groups. The Junior Ranger program is for children ages five to twelve and includes activities at home or in the field, led by park rangers. For planning individual visits, it is a good idea to check the current schedule.

The Parks Department hosts free community events for county residents throughout the year. These include outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals, nature hikes, fitness classes, and educational programs. The events are specifically described as being for county residents; dates may change and should be checked in advance.

Industrial, Engineering, and Architectural History

The Paterson Raceway System is designated a National Engineering Landmark. A walk through Upper Raceway Park follows the beginning of the system and passes some of the many mills that benefited from it. The Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is open for self-guided activities and outdoor tours. Check current conditions before your visit.

The Paterson Museum preserves and interprets the cultural, technological, and geological history of Paterson. Another historic site is the American Labor Museum, housed in the Botto House National Landmark: a Victorian home built in 1908 that belonged to Italian immigrant and silk mill worker Pietro Botto and his wife, Maria. The museum’s visitor offerings include restored historic rooms, changing exhibits, and the Old World Gardens, with a bocce court, grape arbor, root cellar, and chicken coop. There is also a free lending library and a museum shop. Exhibits and facilities may change; check what is currently available before your visit.

The Long Pond Ironworks Historic District includes thirteen residential and commercial buildings, as well as the remains of three iron blast furnaces. The Dey Mansion was built in the second half of the 18th century in the Georgian style and served as George Washington’s headquarters on two occasions in 1780. Hewitt Church dates from 1895 and was built in the Carpenter Gothic style. Its significance lies both in its connection to employees of the Cooper-&-Hewitt company and its predecessors, and in its representation of this architectural style. The Van Riper-Hopper House was built in 1786 by Uriah Van Riper for his bride, Maria Berdan.

The Morris Canal is listed on the New Jersey Register and the National Register of Historic Places. As a historic canal, it also provides a greenway setting. Texas Wieners were invented in Paterson and are available at several grills and restaurants in Passaic County. Since individual restaurant offerings may change, check with the establishment to see whether the dish is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Clifton, Wanaque, Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Sussex County.

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