No One Kayaks Here: Paterson’s Passaic to the Great Falls

No one dares kayak the neglected and polluted Passaic River in Paterson, New Jersey—until now. Join us on a daring 7-mile journey as we paddle against the current through urban decay, under historic bridges, and past hidden homeless encampments, all to reach the iconic Great Falls. Along the way, we face dangerous low water levels, sharp rocks, and challenging portages that push us to our limits.

The journey doesn’t stop there—our return trip takes us through thrilling Class 1 and Class 2 rapids, with narrow escapes and nail-biting moments. This isn’t just a kayaking adventure—it’s a raw look at a river many have written off as “hated” and forgotten.

Discover the untold stories of this forbidden waterway, meet locals who’ve never seen kayakers here, and experience the stunning contrast of nature and urban grit. This is more than a kayak trip—it’s an exploration of resilience, adventure, and history in the heart of Paterson.

We Love the Passaic River 💓


Chapters:
0:00 The Mission
3:56 Huge Pipe
4:48 6th st Bridge
7:30 Up a Creek
9:34 CR 650 Bridge
12:57 Arch St Bridge
13:23 Portage 1
14:48 Bridge Trolls
17:15 Main st Bridge-Portage 2
19:10 Valley of Rocks-Portage 3
20:28 Great Falls
23:23 Ranger Danger
26:08 Rapids
29:03 Refuge
31:46 Bridges and Rapids
35:47 Encampments
36:49 Recap and Pizza
42:20 Map