Kayaker exposes new jersey's polluted passaic river enroute to paterson's great falls

HAWTHORNE, NJ — Visitors marvel at the Paterson Great Falls, but many visitors don’t realize the level of filth and pollution along the stretch of the Passaic River just beyond the falls.

A kayaking expedition along the Passaic River is drawing new attention to pollution and urban decay after outdoor content creator Matt Dolitsky, from the Two Feet Outdoors YouTube channel, documented his journey from Hawthorne to the iconic Paterson Falls.

In the video, which premiered recently and features real-time commentary and striking visuals, Dolitsky paddles through a stretch of the river marred by trash, debris, and signs of urban hardship. His goal: to reach the scenic waterfall while highlighting the environmental challenges along the way.

“Look at all this trash,” Dolitsky says in the opening moments, gesturing to the debris floating around his kayak. “It’s everywhere, right from the start.”

At several points, Dolitsky pauses to film under bridges and along the shoreline, noting the density of garbage in areas that appear neglected. Around the 6-minute mark, he carefully navigates past what he identifies as a homeless encampment on the bank, using the moment to discuss the intersection of environmental and social issues.

Passaic’s beauty and burden shared with viewers

Despite the pollution, Dolitsky captures moments of serenity on the river. A turtle perched on a log and a brief exchange with local bystanders provide contrast to the harsh conditions. At one point, he shares his strategy for fighting the river’s current, giving viewers a closer look at the physical demands of the journey.

Throughout the 20-minute video, Dolitsky emphasizes both the natural beauty and the human-caused degradation of the Passaic River ecosystem. His commentary, mixed with visuals of scenic banks and industrial decay, offers a grounded look at an often-overlooked waterway.

“People don’t realize what’s happening here — how much gets left behind,” he says while passing a heavily littered shoreline.

Dolitsky’s channel, Two Feet Outdoors, features similar adventures that blend environmental awareness with outdoor exploration. This latest journey has sparked conversation among viewers about conservation efforts and urban pollution in northern New Jersey.

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