Little Falls is a township in Passaic County, New Jersey, in the northern part of the state. It is named for a waterfall on the Passaic River near the historic Beattie Mill, and its population is about 13,300. The township sits within the New York metropolitan area, roughly 15 miles from Manhattan and about 12 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport. The township's history is tied to the Passaic River and the transportation routes that shaped northern New Jersey. The Morris Canal, once a crucial trade and transportation link between the Delaware and Hudson rivers, passed through the town, and the waterpower of the river supported early industry. Over time, Little Falls grew from an industrial and canal-era settlement into a residential suburb of New York City. Today Little Falls is best understood as a commuter town. U.S. Route 46 and New Jersey Route 23 run through the township, with the Garden State Parkway and Interstate 80 nearby, placing jobs in Manhattan, Newark, and the surrounding region within reach. Many residents enjoy the convenience of having shopping, schools, and services within walking distance of established neighborhoods. The township's public schools and its location near Montclair and other Passaic County communities shape daily life. For residents, the appeal is a compact, convenient suburb with genuine history, a riverside setting, and easy access to both New York City and the broader northern New Jersey region. Its neighborhoods range from older homes near the river to mid-century subdivisions, and the township's parks and recreation programs serve residents of all ages.