We hiked down in Whirlpool State Park, then over to this park, back up to the rim trail and back to WSP. I wanted to like it more, but truly all the glory is in WSP, so this part was a bit anti-climactic. When reviewing "What We'd Do Differently" at the end of the day, we both agreed we could have skipped this park.
There are many miles to hike here and there are very few people using them. If you want to get away from the crowds and walk alongside the river for several miles, check this place out. 5 minute drive from visitors center.
Loved the history & the experiences we had at this portion of the water/rapids. Very beautiful and memorable for our whole family.
So you are at the falls and on tripadvisor looking for other things to do... how about you drive/bike the few minutes away and visit this place. You won't die from taking time from your precious life to view another angle of the great river that divides two countries. As a geologist it's spectacular, as a human it's humbling. From this view point you can see the amount of water flowing that recently went over the falls and the human engineering that allows us to heat and power our homes using WATER. Whatever, you environmentalists, we utilized the dramatic geology here for human empowerment and this location will put things in perspective.
Good view of the dam/power plant and the river. Walkway was good BUT the handicapped spaces are in the middle of the parking area but the fence does not have an access. You have to go all the way to either end. Strange set up.
My husband and I parked our truck ( free parking) and started our ride on the trails along the gorge. The scenery was amazing and the ride was a challenge but not too difficult. We rode down to goat island and had a great afternoon
Come on America! Let's clean up and update this park. Be careful on the uneven terrain. Restrooms are outdated. Make sure to walk to the north part to see a good view of the power plant.
The park is well kept up, there are clean facilities and picnic tables. Free to enter and park. Access to nice trail along the upper ridge of the Niagara and also stairs to the lower level.
I gave this a 5 because of the beautiful fall colors we saw there in late October. Must be in decent shape to go down the stairs to get by the river, but also to get back up them!! I had to stop several times and rest on the way back up (these are uneven rock stairs with no handrails so be careful). Don't go by yourself either - there are places on the trail that could be hazardous if you should slip off and you don't want to be by yourself if that happens! With all that being said, we look for places like this to walk and stay active and take our dog for walks/runs in parks and hiking trails - We would have loved to have had our beagle with us so we could let him run around - he would have been in heaven on these trails!
Devil's Hole State Park takes you into the Niagara Gorge via a set of semi-improved stairs and a trail that takes you along the river and to Whirlpool State park if you so desire. If you like out of the way fishing places with an excellent chance for catching a reel trophy, bring along a fishing rod and a few lures. Just be careful out there!