One of the largest waterfalls in the eastern United States, the Great Falls thunders right in the middle of the city of Paterson. Open-air overlooks and gentle paved paths let families watch the roaring water from a safe distance and enjoy the surrounding green park lawns. It is free to visit and never feels like a closed-in space. (72 McBride Avenue Extension, Paterson, NJ 07501) With a little planning, a visit can be a calm, joyful day for an autistic child. Here is a sensory-friendly guide from our BCBA-led team — what to expect, the quietest times to go, and how to prepare.
The best time to visit
Ask the venue about quieter days or low-sensory hours, and aim for weekday mornings shortly after the grounds open at dawn when crowds are thinnest. Confirm hours on the official site before you go.
What to expect
The dominant sensation here is the loud, steady roar and mist of the falls, which can be intense up close but fades as you move back along the lawns. The setting is fully outdoors with open sky, so there are no crowded indoor rooms, and you can choose how near or far to the noise you stand. Footing near the overlook can be uneven, so plan for sturdy shoes.
A few things your child may enjoy:
- 77-foot Great Falls waterfall overlook
- Mary Ellen Kramer (Great Falls) Park lawns and paths
- Overlook and pedestrian bridge views
How to prepare your child
- Preview it. Look at photos or a map together beforehand so the visit feels predictable (a simple “social story”).
- Use “first–then.” “First we look around, then we get a snack.”
- Pack comfort items — noise-canceling headphones, a favorite fidget, water, and a familiar snack.
- Plan a quiet exit — pick a calm spot for a break if your child gets overwhelmed.
How ABA therapy makes outings like this easier
Community trips are exactly where ABA skills pay off. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can help your child practice the very skills a visit to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park demands — waiting, transitioning between activities, asking for a break, staying close in crowds, and tolerating new sights and sounds. At Autumn ABA, our community-based and natural-environment sessions build these skills in the real settings where they matter. Many Passaic County families work on exactly these goals so days out become something to look forward to. Learn more about our in-home, school, community, and telehealth ABA programs.
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