Hiking trails in Niagara Falls lead to several great scenes, such as an overlook of the Niagara Gorge or the Devil's Hole Cavern. The Niagara Gorge Trail system is comprised of a series of small trails that run parallel with the Niagara River Gorge. The difficulty of the trails vary and some are posted with age restrictions. Trails in the gorge are more rugged than the trails at the top and require strong footwear.
Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike
This one-hour hike begins at the Discovery Center/ Trailhead Building and is easy enough for all ages. As the name implies, it leads hikers to an overlook of the Gorge. The hike follows the Niagara River and provides views of the power plants and Silurian Rock Strata. A guided hike involves a small cost per person.
Upper Great Gorge Rim Trail
The Upper Great Gorge Rim Trail begins at the Discovery Center. There is no minimum age requirement for this two-hour hike. The trail runs along the Gorge to the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. Other sights include the Niagara Escarpment, Silurian Rock Strata and power plants along the upper portion of the Gorge. Guided hikes can be purchased at the Discovery Center at a per-hiker rate.
Devil's Hole Rapids and Giant Rock
This moderate trail begins at Devil's Hole State Park and takes 2 1/2 hours to complete. Hikers should be age 8 or older to attempt this hike.This trails connects with the gorge trail via a 300-foot winding stone staircase. A walk around the rim of the Niagara Gorge provides stunning views of the gorge and the river below and hikers can take in the sights of the Devil's Hole Cavern along the way. Hikers also will see the Giant Rock, Robert Moses Power Plant and the Silurian Rock Strata.
Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike
This trail is the most difficult and requires hikers to be at least 8 years of age. The three-hour trail begins at nearby Whirlpool State Park and takes hikers along intense whirlpool rapids. From the rapids overlook, a set of stairs descends into the gorge where hikers will be met with two paths. The orange path is an easy hike along level ground. The pink path goes through a boulder field where hikers may be required to leap from one boulder to the next. The pink and orange paths connect and end at an old trolley line overlook.
Whirlpool Rapids Trail
This trail begins at the restroom shelter in Whirlpool State Park. The path leads to DeVeaux Point which provides an excellent view of the river rapids below. The trail continues down river to the Whirlpool stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, hikers can choose to take the pink or orange trail. The orange trail goes to the Whirlpool Sandstone and is a relatively flat path. The pink path goes across rockfalls. The pink and orange paths meet up and end at an old trolley line overlook. Instead of following the same path back, switch and try the pink path if you took the orange on the way out for a variety of scenery.
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