Niagara Gorge Trail
Niagara Gorge Trail
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DanKan
Dayton, OH227 contributions
Oct 2022
With all the great reviews of this trail, we were hopeful for a repeat. Well, to say we were disappointed is an understatement. The trail beginning at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center parking started pretty, but once we got into the trail itself going towards the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge that's when we began to change our take of the trail. Much of the trail was like walking on an alley, and the spots that did offer some great views were run down and dirty. Then the trail was closed for maintenance a few hundred yards past the aquarium. It wasn't worth the time.
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alvanniekerk
Oakville, Canada67 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Amazing day out in the first crazy hot day in 2023. The trails were clearly marked and the views? Spectacular. Small kids may find this quite difficult. The drop is 196m so climbing up and down raises the heart rate for sure. The park and picnic area are pristine and a very large space with great washroom facilities.
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Falls Girl
Kissimmee, FL519 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
If this trail was in California, it would be too crowded to enjoy.
The proximity to the raging waters of the Niagara River rapids, the immense scale of giant boulders, and the prehistoric aura hovering over the sheer gorge walls make this hike well worth the effort for nature lovers. Along the way you will see a pleasing variety of plants, birds, insects, and animals. The sweeping views of the river, the power plants, and the US and Canada from the top of the gorge are not to be missed. Gorgeous and lushly green in the summer, it is truly spectacular when the leaves change in October.
I grew up here and have been on this trail many, many times. I was thrilled to have my new husband share the experience this summer when we visited family in the area.
There are several ways you can hike this popular (though underused), incredibly scenic trail along the Niagara River. Park your car and start at Whirlpool Park, take the stairs down, go right at the foot of the stairs (walking downriver), come up the set of stairs at Devil’s Hole State Park, and follow the trail along the top of the gorge back upriver to where you parked your car. Or once at the bottom, first go left (upriver) at the foot of the Whirlpool Park stairs, and enjoy views across the river to Canada of the Spanish Aero Car, then double back and continue hiking on to Devil’s Hole. Or start at Devil’s Hole and ascend at Whirlpool, walking downriver back to your car. There are decent restrooms and free parking at both Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole parks.
Now for the important stuff, especially for inexperienced hikers and visitors not used to the great outdoors in general:
NEVER take safety for granted here. It is amazing that anyone could look at the water and not instantly know it is dangerous, but it happens. Tourists take foolish risks. People drown on both sides of this river every year.
DO NOT go into the water. If you accidentally fall into the water here it will likely be fatal, even if you are a strong swimmer.
The trail is promoted as moderate and intermediate. In general, it is fairly well-maintained. But conditions can vary wildly, especially after rain. It can be a dangerous trail, with falling rocks and shale, narrow and with no guardrails. Take responsibility for your own safety. Wear proper footwear (NOT flip-flops. Why do people hike in flip-flops?). Bring water and snacks. Wear mosquito repellant and sunscreen. Pay attention to the warning signs on the trail.
Do not let small children run ahead of you on the trail, or let your teens goof off. There are blind corners and sheer drop-offs that will send you right over the edge if you are careless. Stay alert. In places you can run into hikers coming from the opposite direction almost without warning, and dog-walkers are not always as considerate as they should be (lunging dogs, dogs off-leash).
Remember, if you decide to go down the stairs, you have to come back up. This trail can be rugged, and you need to have a decent level of fitness to enjoy it. The stairs coming back up at Devil’s Hole are not suitable for those with physical limitations. The stairs at Whirlpool are slightly less strenuous. Slightly.
There are places off the main trail where casual trails lead right down to the water. Proceed with caution, and remember that giant boulders in raging rivers are covered with slippery algae. This is often how tourists run into trouble here. There is also a tide, and the way you walked out or jumped from rock to rock to get further out into the river may be blocked by fast-moving water ten minutes later.
For those not into the stairs, the trail along the top of the gorge is lovely and easy, with amazing views of the Niagara River Gorge. It’s a “must-do” for first time visitors to the area.
My intent with this review was not to scare, but to help encourage people to use the trails responsibly so that they will remain open for everyone, especially local families, to enjoy, and not wind up being closed because of someone’s foolhardy and irresponsible behavior.
The proximity to the raging waters of the Niagara River rapids, the immense scale of giant boulders, and the prehistoric aura hovering over the sheer gorge walls make this hike well worth the effort for nature lovers. Along the way you will see a pleasing variety of plants, birds, insects, and animals. The sweeping views of the river, the power plants, and the US and Canada from the top of the gorge are not to be missed. Gorgeous and lushly green in the summer, it is truly spectacular when the leaves change in October.
I grew up here and have been on this trail many, many times. I was thrilled to have my new husband share the experience this summer when we visited family in the area.
There are several ways you can hike this popular (though underused), incredibly scenic trail along the Niagara River. Park your car and start at Whirlpool Park, take the stairs down, go right at the foot of the stairs (walking downriver), come up the set of stairs at Devil’s Hole State Park, and follow the trail along the top of the gorge back upriver to where you parked your car. Or once at the bottom, first go left (upriver) at the foot of the Whirlpool Park stairs, and enjoy views across the river to Canada of the Spanish Aero Car, then double back and continue hiking on to Devil’s Hole. Or start at Devil’s Hole and ascend at Whirlpool, walking downriver back to your car. There are decent restrooms and free parking at both Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole parks.
Now for the important stuff, especially for inexperienced hikers and visitors not used to the great outdoors in general:
NEVER take safety for granted here. It is amazing that anyone could look at the water and not instantly know it is dangerous, but it happens. Tourists take foolish risks. People drown on both sides of this river every year.
DO NOT go into the water. If you accidentally fall into the water here it will likely be fatal, even if you are a strong swimmer.
The trail is promoted as moderate and intermediate. In general, it is fairly well-maintained. But conditions can vary wildly, especially after rain. It can be a dangerous trail, with falling rocks and shale, narrow and with no guardrails. Take responsibility for your own safety. Wear proper footwear (NOT flip-flops. Why do people hike in flip-flops?). Bring water and snacks. Wear mosquito repellant and sunscreen. Pay attention to the warning signs on the trail.
Do not let small children run ahead of you on the trail, or let your teens goof off. There are blind corners and sheer drop-offs that will send you right over the edge if you are careless. Stay alert. In places you can run into hikers coming from the opposite direction almost without warning, and dog-walkers are not always as considerate as they should be (lunging dogs, dogs off-leash).
Remember, if you decide to go down the stairs, you have to come back up. This trail can be rugged, and you need to have a decent level of fitness to enjoy it. The stairs coming back up at Devil’s Hole are not suitable for those with physical limitations. The stairs at Whirlpool are slightly less strenuous. Slightly.
There are places off the main trail where casual trails lead right down to the water. Proceed with caution, and remember that giant boulders in raging rivers are covered with slippery algae. This is often how tourists run into trouble here. There is also a tide, and the way you walked out or jumped from rock to rock to get further out into the river may be blocked by fast-moving water ten minutes later.
For those not into the stairs, the trail along the top of the gorge is lovely and easy, with amazing views of the Niagara River Gorge. It’s a “must-do” for first time visitors to the area.
My intent with this review was not to scare, but to help encourage people to use the trails responsibly so that they will remain open for everyone, especially local families, to enjoy, and not wind up being closed because of someone’s foolhardy and irresponsible behavior.
Written September 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eatsunlaugh
New York18 contributions
I grew up in NF and hiked this trail quite often. It is beautiful, tranquil, slightly challenging and almost completely private. My husband who has visited several US National Parks and wonders was astounded that we passed but ONE person during our hour hike and then said the above - if this was in the middle of nowhere anywhere else in the country every tour book would talk about this.
It is an up close view of the lower rapids, and as I said a great hike, you could even take a small picnic down. It is what I would term a moderate hike up and down, if it has recently rained it can be slippery. The trail is shaded and cooled about 10 degrees by the nearby water. If you like trails do at least the Devil's hole 1 mile portion, about an hour up, trail and back (or you could go down the trail at Devils hole and back up the same way without doing the trail) - if you have time go beyond to Whirlpool, under the bridge and the bend to see the mist of the Falls in the distance.
Once you climb the stairs back up to the top the higher trail goes much quicker.
You will most likely drive here, park at Devils Hole and return along upper trail. If you are staying dowtown, I think there is now an entrance around the Schoellkopf Museum / across from the aquarium that could take you all the way to Devil's Hole. I am not positive, but even this portion would be worthy. If you are staying downtown and don't have a car and don't mind a 2 hour 5 mile walk / hike, you could go to whirlpool entrance down to the river and back up.
http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Activities_DiscoveryCenter.aspx
and definitely do the Maid of the Mist if you visit if nothing else
next would be the Cave of the Winds
It is an up close view of the lower rapids, and as I said a great hike, you could even take a small picnic down. It is what I would term a moderate hike up and down, if it has recently rained it can be slippery. The trail is shaded and cooled about 10 degrees by the nearby water. If you like trails do at least the Devil's hole 1 mile portion, about an hour up, trail and back (or you could go down the trail at Devils hole and back up the same way without doing the trail) - if you have time go beyond to Whirlpool, under the bridge and the bend to see the mist of the Falls in the distance.
Once you climb the stairs back up to the top the higher trail goes much quicker.
You will most likely drive here, park at Devils Hole and return along upper trail. If you are staying dowtown, I think there is now an entrance around the Schoellkopf Museum / across from the aquarium that could take you all the way to Devil's Hole. I am not positive, but even this portion would be worthy. If you are staying downtown and don't have a car and don't mind a 2 hour 5 mile walk / hike, you could go to whirlpool entrance down to the river and back up.
http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Activities_DiscoveryCenter.aspx
and definitely do the Maid of the Mist if you visit if nothing else
next would be the Cave of the Winds
Written September 3, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mdod
NC1,299 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We spent 3 ½ hrs hiking the Niagara Gorge Rim, Whirlpool Rapids and Devils Hole trails starting at noon and ending at 3:30 on a Wed in mid July. Then we headed over to the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds. The timing was great. We probably saw less than 20 people the entire hike and we got right into Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds and saw tons of rainbows with the afternoon sun.
We started hiking from the scenic whirlpool overlook behind the bathrooms at Whirlpool State Park. We headed downstream (right) along the Gorge Rim Trail and took it to the long, dilapidated, stone staircase for the Whirlpool Rapids Trail. At the bottom of the steps we followed that trail upstream (left) past the Whirlpool Rapids to the end just before the Whirlpool Bridge and back to the staircase where we continued downstream along the Devil’s Hole Trail a little past the Devil’s Hole staircase to a view of the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant. Then we returned to the Devil’s Hole staircase and dragged our butts up the ~400 steps (I counted 394 but some were questionable) to Devil’s Hole State Park and back to Whirlpool State Park upstream along the Rim Trial.
There’s a split in the Whirlpool trail before the whirlpool and we stayed to the right on the more rugged section that hugged the river bank on the way out. It was mainly medium sized rocks so it took me longer to navigate with my bad knees but it wasn’t difficult. We took the other route on the way back.
The whirlpool occurs at a 90 degree bend in the river. It was neat to see water flowing upstream along the USA bank side before the whirlpool. There’s an open rock shelf just past the whirlpool (and the Whirlpool Aerocar) where you can get right next to the water. The wet rocks are as slippery as snot and I fell on my butt the first time I stepped onto them so be careful or you may end up floating down the river.
Shortly after that the river narrowed, creating a long stretch of big rapids. The boardwalks for the Canadian White Water Walk were across the river along this section. We made it to the sign for the end of the Whirlpool Rapids Trail at 1:20 but there was no view from there so I wouldn’t bother going past the concrete steps with a rusted pipe handrail a few minutes before that. There’s some large boulders there where you can sit with a nice view of the Whirlpool Bridge and the rapids and have a snack before heading back.
We started the Devil’s Hole Trail at 2:10 and made it to the top of the staircase at Devil’s Hole State Park by 3:00. The Devil’s Hole Trail wasn’t as rugged and the stone staircase was in much better shape than the Whirlpool Rapids staircase but IMO, the rapids and the rest of the views were better on the Whirlpool Rapids Trail.
The Rim Trail back to Whirlpool State Park was an easy 30 min walk with nice views of the gorge. We also saw (and heard) several Whirlpool Jet Boats on the way back.
If you can't handle the staircase and/or don't have time to hike down to the river, the Rim Gorge Rim Trail is an easy trail with great views or you can just check out the Rim Trail lookouts at Whirlpool State Park and Devil's Hole State Park. For an easier way to get close to the Whirlpool Rapids, you can go to the White Water Walk across the border in Canada and take an elevator down and walk along the river on boardwalks.
We started hiking from the scenic whirlpool overlook behind the bathrooms at Whirlpool State Park. We headed downstream (right) along the Gorge Rim Trail and took it to the long, dilapidated, stone staircase for the Whirlpool Rapids Trail. At the bottom of the steps we followed that trail upstream (left) past the Whirlpool Rapids to the end just before the Whirlpool Bridge and back to the staircase where we continued downstream along the Devil’s Hole Trail a little past the Devil’s Hole staircase to a view of the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant. Then we returned to the Devil’s Hole staircase and dragged our butts up the ~400 steps (I counted 394 but some were questionable) to Devil’s Hole State Park and back to Whirlpool State Park upstream along the Rim Trial.
There’s a split in the Whirlpool trail before the whirlpool and we stayed to the right on the more rugged section that hugged the river bank on the way out. It was mainly medium sized rocks so it took me longer to navigate with my bad knees but it wasn’t difficult. We took the other route on the way back.
The whirlpool occurs at a 90 degree bend in the river. It was neat to see water flowing upstream along the USA bank side before the whirlpool. There’s an open rock shelf just past the whirlpool (and the Whirlpool Aerocar) where you can get right next to the water. The wet rocks are as slippery as snot and I fell on my butt the first time I stepped onto them so be careful or you may end up floating down the river.
Shortly after that the river narrowed, creating a long stretch of big rapids. The boardwalks for the Canadian White Water Walk were across the river along this section. We made it to the sign for the end of the Whirlpool Rapids Trail at 1:20 but there was no view from there so I wouldn’t bother going past the concrete steps with a rusted pipe handrail a few minutes before that. There’s some large boulders there where you can sit with a nice view of the Whirlpool Bridge and the rapids and have a snack before heading back.
We started the Devil’s Hole Trail at 2:10 and made it to the top of the staircase at Devil’s Hole State Park by 3:00. The Devil’s Hole Trail wasn’t as rugged and the stone staircase was in much better shape than the Whirlpool Rapids staircase but IMO, the rapids and the rest of the views were better on the Whirlpool Rapids Trail.
The Rim Trail back to Whirlpool State Park was an easy 30 min walk with nice views of the gorge. We also saw (and heard) several Whirlpool Jet Boats on the way back.
If you can't handle the staircase and/or don't have time to hike down to the river, the Rim Gorge Rim Trail is an easy trail with great views or you can just check out the Rim Trail lookouts at Whirlpool State Park and Devil's Hole State Park. For an easier way to get close to the Whirlpool Rapids, you can go to the White Water Walk across the border in Canada and take an elevator down and walk along the river on boardwalks.
Written August 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eatsunlaugh
New York18 contributions
Jul 2011
Friends were just asking me about the Trail as they are going to visit. Thought I would update a few things -
1- parking at Whirlpool and Devil's Hole parks is free.
2 - there are bathrooms at booth parks, you have to look for them, at Devils Hole they are over the pedestrian bridge and to the right from the parking lot
3 - the hike is on uneven terrain, but it isn't as rough as the website makes it sound. Definitely sneakers, no flip flops. The stairs at Whirlpool entrance are much more of a real stair system than Devil's Hole.
4 - website http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Activities_NatureLoversGuide.aspx
5 - while the trail at river lever from DH to Whirlpool is only one mile, it does take about an hour roundtrip b/c going up and down the stairs/escarpment takes time, plus you will want to stop and admire the river
1- parking at Whirlpool and Devil's Hole parks is free.
2 - there are bathrooms at booth parks, you have to look for them, at Devils Hole they are over the pedestrian bridge and to the right from the parking lot
3 - the hike is on uneven terrain, but it isn't as rough as the website makes it sound. Definitely sneakers, no flip flops. The stairs at Whirlpool entrance are much more of a real stair system than Devil's Hole.
4 - website http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Activities_NatureLoversGuide.aspx
5 - while the trail at river lever from DH to Whirlpool is only one mile, it does take about an hour roundtrip b/c going up and down the stairs/escarpment takes time, plus you will want to stop and admire the river
Written July 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TraceyNY12
25 contributions
Aug 2014
We started by getting a map at the Discovery Center. Actually right outside there is a small building outside of the Discovery Center that you can go and get a map and more detailed info about trails , etc. We drove just down the road to whirlpool state park to begin our hike. Pay attention to the descriptions of the trails as far as difficulty and age requirement . They are pretty accurate . Beautiful and sometimes challenging walk depending on which route you take. Take water and have appropriate footwear.
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kari D
San Jose, CA120 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Once you've seen the cascading waters of Niagara, which are equally as beautiful from either side of the border, try this trail out. You'll get an amazing view, up close sounds and smells of the water and foliage, and no people noise. The throngs of visitors from all over the world apparently don't much like to hike, so this trail is usually pretty quiet...except of course for the roar of the waters. A nice day hike! Take a backpack lunch and make a day of it. It's free -- you won't be sorry!
Written January 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BethB39
Pittsburgh, PA192 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
Niagara Gorge Trail is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit and explore in the Autumn when all the trees are changing colors! The views of the gorge and Niagara River are breathtaking! Better wear your best footwear because the trail and steep stone steps in places is a bit rough and without proper footwear your safety may be compromised. For those who cannot travel up and down steep steps or go over uneven ground, the trail starts at the top and is fairly level along the first part for a small piece, but then gets a little more challenging, and the stone steps that go down to the gorge and river itself are quite steep and one has to be in decent shape to get down and then back up them! Absolutely worth it if you can manage physically!
Written September 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcia B
North Tonawanda, NY547 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
I have been down in the Niagara Gorge many times in my life. We usually go down at Whirlpool State Park then come back up at Devil's Hole State Park then walk back to the car at the top of the gorge.There is much to see: closeups of the rapids, flora and fauna, rock formations, man made "left behinds". If you go here please remember that it can be a dangerous place. Stay on the trails and never go alone.
Written November 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There is a large parking lot at the top and it is paid parking.
Written November 27, 2018
Do you have to hike to experience this ?
Written January 21, 2018
Of course. It is a beautiful trail and the scenery is amazing.
Written January 21, 2018
anyone know where should i parking if i walk for trail? how much for parking
Written August 23, 2017
The main parking lot for the park is $10 flat rate. It was full both days we went there and had to pay $20 flat rate at the nearby lot.
Written August 23, 2017
does it cost anything, and what are the hours you can go . thank you :)
Written July 4, 2017
Completely agree with the other reviewer. There are a
Lot of metal steps leading down into the gorge but other than than you'll have choices of how hard to make the trail. Do take water etc though. There's nothing anywhere nearby.
Written July 6, 2017
You have confuse me with saying "on the Canadian Side" while others say on the American. Please tell me you may talk about the Canadian Whitewater Walk?
I like to know for both Trails as well as other Attraktions how much time I should calculate and how to find the start Point from both Sides and is their Public Transportation (maybe the Trolley or WEGO) nearby?
Written January 12, 2017
For the Niagara Gorge walk, American side, Start at Whirlpool State Park.
Written July 5, 2017
Hi, I am fro Nepal currently in US with my J1 visa. I wanna experience this ride of maid of the mist. I just want the boat ride and get back to US. Do I still need a Canadian visa?
Written June 3, 2016
I don't see you having any other issues then other people that come across from other countries. And there are many overseas tourists. Just make sure you have all documents ready being passport etc. To show at the U.S/Canadian Border. And just a FYI the boat ride is now called the HORNBLOWER. Enjoy!
Written June 3, 2016
What ages do you think would be able to do this? The main site says "all ages" but some of the comments here seem to say it's not for little kids. Additionally, is there a way to do only a portion of the hike and still see anything? Like, turn around when the kids (7,5,3) get bored or tired? How long is the hike? Is it loop or straight?
Written May 27, 2015
There are several trails down into the gorge. Age 7 is okay 5 is tough 3 is not a good idea unless you plan on wearing a back pack that they can fit into. Devils hole and whirlpool are several hundred steps down to the gorge. One you are there it's an easy walk but there are some parts that can get rather narrow. There are 2 other ways down that aren't bad for younger kids. You can drive down most of the way at the Power Authority. Or the 1st trail as you leave the falls area (by the shellkopf building) is a pretty straight and easy incline but with that comes a long walk. That is probably the safest route. In any case the water is extremely dangerous and in most places if you fall in... you are not getting out
Written May 27, 2015
There is a fee for the discovery pass yes but for the Gorge trail it's free & free parking. Gorge trail is away from the main attractions.
Written May 9, 2015
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