Niagara Falls State Park is the most popular state park in the United States. Annually the Niagara Falls State Park welcomes 8 million visitors through its gates. It is renowned worldwide and visitors from all nations flock to see its wonder.
History of Niagara Falls State Park
In 1885 Niagara Falls officially became the first state park in the United States. At that time the state park was called Niagara Falls Reservations.
At the time there were other parks and recreation areas that were being governed and maintained by the states. However as far as official state park status goes Niagara Falls State Park was the first recognised state park.
Niagara Falls State Park was designed by Frederick Laws Olmsted. Frederick was very well known at the time for being and exceptional landscape architect. He was responsible for many famous parks throughout the country including Central Park in New York City.
Prior to becoming a state park the areas surrounding the great Niagara Falls were largely privately owned and undeveloped for public access.
Petitions were instigated in the early 1860’s in an effort to preserve the area and make it accessible for all people. It in part championed by Frederick Laws Olmsted himself. In 1883 Olmsted, along with several others successfully convinced the state government at the time to commit to allocating the land surrounding the falls to become a protected reservation.
Over the years Niagara Falls State Park has undergone much development and design to make it what it is today the most popular state park.
Main Attractions at Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls
The obvious main attraction at Niagara Falls State Park is the grand and spectacular Niagara Falls. You don’t get to be the most popular state park with out some kind of phenomenal attraction. The Niagara Falls are not simply one giant waterfall. They are in fact a trio of three waterfalls, named Horseshoe Falls (sometimes referred to as Canadian Falls), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Niagara Falls has drawn daredevils for centuries with many attempting to make it over the falls in various forms.
The first attempt to make it over the falls was in 1829 by a man by the name of Sam Patch. His attempt inspired a long line of hopeful daredevils. Many have sent themselves over the edge in wooden barrels, on jet skis, boats and even unprotected. Tight rope walkers have also made many attempts across the great falls.
Niagara Falls astounding beauty simply beckon tourists from the world over to come and behold its grandure.
One of the best ways to get up close to the falls is by booking a trip on the Maid of the Mist. On this extraordinary trip you will be privileged to get more intimate with the falls, close enough to its base to be doused in its spray.
Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is another hugely popular attraction situated in Niagara Falls State Park. It offers another opportunity to get up close and personal with the falls. It is definitely one of the reasons Niagara Falls is the most popular state park.
The Cave of the Winds tour starts out with an elevator ride down 175ft deep into the falls. Upon exiting the elevator trained tour guide will lead you along a series of carefully designed wooden stairs cases. The viewing decks have you as close at 20ft from the raging waters.
You are destined to get wet and that is all part of the experience. Thankfully you are equiped with fancy plastic ponchos as protection.
Hiking Trails
Expansive hiking trails can be found all over Niagara Falls State Park. There are several trails that are perfect for beginners but a few that require children to be 8 years old and over with some hiking experience
The trails can be split into two sections. The first section being the Gorge Trails. These hiking trails all begin at the Niagara Gorge Trail Head Centre. There are two hikes here which are perfect for all abilities. The second section are trails that begin in nearby state parks but enter Niagara Falls State Park. These two trails are for experienced hikers over 8 years old.
Great Gorge Scenic Overlook
This hike is an easy 1 hour loop which allows you to take in some stunning scenery. There is no age restriction on this hike so it is perfect for the whole family. This would be a great hike to do if you are wanting to get away from the crowds a bit and get a bit of exercise.
1 hour hikes are the perfect length for families. Adults seem to feel like they have got their steps in for the day and it’s not too long that the kids are pushed to exhaustion.
Great Gorge Railway Trail
Great Gorge Railway Trail is a 2.4 mile hike that takes you in and out. You will be privvied to many lookout points and places of interest a long the trail.
All the different places and things to see along the trail are what makes it perfect for families. Children will love seeing the impressive bridges that connect the USA to Canada and the remains of industries that once relied on the power of the falls to power their factories.
Devils Hole Rapids and Giant Rock
Devil’s HoleRapids is located 4 miles from Niagara Falls within Devil’s Hole State Park. Unlike the previous hikes this one is a lot more challenging and hikers need to be at least 8 year old.
This hike takes you along the raging Niagara river and down some pretty scary stairs. This is the main reason it is not advised for young children.
Whirlpool Rapids
Whirlpool Rapids Trail is an incredibly adventure for those up for the challenge. It is definitely no a trail for little children but older experience kids and teenagers will love the thrill.
You start this trail by decending deep into the the Niagara Gorge right down to the waters edge. You will need to be extremely careful here so as to not misstep and end up in the whirlpools.
This hike is definitely an adventure for all the thrill seekers.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Niagara Falls State Park?
There is currently no cost to enter Niagara Falls State Park. There are however four parking lots within the park. These cost $10 a day.
There are many attractions within the park that do cost money however and if you want to partake in these you will need to book tickets. Due to its popularity Niagara Falls State Park has done an incredible job at making the park an incredible day out no matter what your budget. There are plenty of free activities to participate in.
What is the Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the months of June – August. Although it is peak season it is also the best and most reliable weather.
During peak season there are special events put on and the shuttle runs regularly. This enables you to get between attractions and different areas of the park quickly.
If you are wanting to avoid the crowds try visiting in the spring or fall. These seasons have moderate weather and you will be able to avoid the biggest crowds.
Winter is going to be extremely cold and many of the attractions cease to operate due to unsafe conditions. However seeing the falls in winter can also be a stunning experience.
There are lots of pro’s and con’s to weigh up with deciding when to visit but there is no doubt anytime is better than never!
Can you Walk to Niagara Falls?
You can walk to certain parts of Niagara Falls. However these are guided tours and not accessible to the public without a ticket. You are able to walk to viewing areas of the falls and certain hiking trails allow you to get close to the waters edge.
Many people want the opportunity to walk under Niagara Falls. Unfortunately it is far too dangerous to allow the public access to these areas.