POWERFUL! 4.8…read more We travel internationally far more often than we travel within the States, but a visit to Niagara Falls should undoubtedly be on everyone's U.S. bucket list. So, of course, while vacationing in Syracuse, we had to make the drive west to experience this spectacular wonder, one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of North America." Many years ago, I had seen the falls from the Canadian side, but this trip offered an entirely different perspective from the New York vantage point. There are three waterfalls in total, separated by landmasses: Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three; American Falls, the second largest; and Bridal Veil Falls, the smallest. While Niagara Falls doesn't rank among the world's tallest waterfalls, in fact, it doesn't make the top 500. It is the sheer width, immense volume, and astonishing flow rate that make it so impressive. The seemingly endless torrent of water comes from the Great Lakes, with four of the five, Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie, ultimately feeding the Niagara River. There is a large visitor parking lot where you pay a fee, but once inside Niagara Falls State Park, you're free to explore on foot. There are several paid tours and attractions, but we opted to simply follow the "Attractions & Trails" map and make our way through the park at our own pace. We started at Stop #2, Terrapin Point, for an up-close view of the massive Horseshoe Falls. Standing there, surrounded by the thunderous roar and tremendous force of the rushing water, was awe-inspiring. Following the map, we continued along the paved walkway all the way to the end, where we discovered a quieter trail with noticeably fewer crowds. It was wonderfully peaceful, watching and listening to the gentle stream of water which was a striking contrast to the thunderous falls just moments before. The trail eventually looped us back around to the main pathway. For lunch, we stopped at The Top of the Falls Restaurant. I ordered the Blue Niagara Splash cocktail, and we shared a chicken wrap and salad. The food was basic diner fare, but it did the job and satisfied our need for a quick bite before heading out. If you're up for witnessing something truly spectacular, put Niagara Falls on your list. At our leisurely pace, we spent a little over two hours exploring the park. Since we needed to be back in Syracuse by late afternoon, we left before seeing the falls illuminated at night. For that, it gives us one more reason to return.

Considered to be the first state park in the United States and one of the biggest. It actually…read morecovers more territory according to whatever one considers part of the actual park. Niagara Falls State Park is of course known for the massive waterfalls. A ton of history about it. The best thing is the free admission but the extra attractions will often require tickets. Basically it's the parkland along the falls and gorge. It's really about the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls and everything else revolves around these. The offerings around the park get you closer to the falls and the money farther from your wallet. Avoid parking fees by using the pedestrian bridges. Know where to go first. Basically start on Goat Island where there's a lot of activities. Three Sisters Islands are a quieter area surrounded by increasingly rapid water. A sad thing is there's lots of suicide prevention advertisements. Terrapin Point is the most popular viewing point. Cave Of The Winds is a popular tour to the foot of the falls. Luna Island is where to get closest to the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and see some great views. Go back to the mainland to see the rest of it. The Horseshoe Falls is right there. Maid Of The Mist is the most important ticketed feature. The classic boat ride into the foot of the falls and you will get wet. It also gives access to the Prospect Point Observation Tower, which has a great view of all three falls. The newest attractions include the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center, a state of the art facility that includes virtual reality tours. Explore beyond this immediate area as there's a lot more park than just around here. The Niagara Gorge is located north of the Rainbow Bridge and extends up to Devil's Hole State Park and Whirlpool State Park. A shuttle is an option. The summers are the busiest especially on the weekends. At night the falls are still worth seeing. These are illuminated by bright lights and there's fireworks through most of the year. Food options are pretty bad. The Top Of The World Restaurant is basic and overpriced along with the many food stands throughout. Old Falls Street is known for overpriced fast food and souvenir stores. There's better options further into town. It's actually not that far to walk over to be honest. The rest of the town can be crappy looking. Great place to look at some incredible falls. It's still a popular option for banquets and weddings just not as much as it was of the past. The park is free for the ticketed attractions and of course the overpriced food and stores.

Incredibly beautiful well maintained gardens within a short distance of Niagara Falls. There is…read morealso a gift shop and cafe. An added bonus is it is free to visitors! There is lots of parking but that you find a ticket machine and pay for by the hour.

I imagine this place is quite beautiful during spring and summer. With it being free, we were happy…read moreto spend some time here, walking outside and checking out the fall gardens. The rose garden area was much done blooming for the season but there were some fun areas throughout the space. All the bushes are trimmed immaculately. The veggie garden was neat to look at and I enjoyed reading the sign that lists local restaurants using their produce on the menu. I do want to note that parking is $8 and there is a fee to go to the butterfly exhibit.

Beautiful park and walking path with trees and shade and easy trails parallel to the main road…read moreleading towards niagara falls viewpoint from Clifton hill. Walk along this park for a quiet and scenic path with periodic benches to sit and rest in the shade if needed. The main road overlooking the American and Canadian sides of the falls was packed with tourists so it was nice to have a more quiet stroll through the park and associated Fallsview trail and other trails towards the falls. There are also plenty of foot crossing paths if you want to head back towards the main road and watch the falls.

One of my last stops in Niagara. Just off Clifton Hills, it takes you from Clifton Hills to the…read moreold Power Station/Tunnel, and if you take the stairs up, a shortcut to Skylon Tower. Quaint and quiet, although I didn't do it, plenty watch the nightly fireworks from here. A simple yet understated escape. Mostly open, so it's not exactly a secluded place; nonetheless, it still offers some solitude. Worth passing through on your way to and from Table Rock and/or the Tunnel, or even if you're just walking about in Niagara Falls.

Another vacation win- they have something here I have never seen- a nature trading post! You can…read moretrade rocks, crystals, fossils and such for their inventory or participate in a point based scavenger hunt, taking photos throughout the park, and redeem points for something in their inventory. I ma a huge rock hound, crystal nut- not just because my name is Crystal, I've loved picking up shiny rocks since I was a small child. Quartz and mica are two I remember finding often as a child. Here- they had a huge inventory of various raw and polished stones, fossils, animal bones and such. And that was just in the Nature Exchange! The park is wonderful too, plenty of trails to lead you down by the river, wonderful trees, great overlook viewpoints throughout. As part of the Niagra Parks system, they have bike trails too. We stopped here twice, once to explore and once for me to pop back in with my photos and pick out a raw piece of turquoise! A birthday win for me! Shout out to the young lady who talked to me in the morning, she wasn't there when I returned- and I am pretty sure the 2 young men thought I was crazy (I am), but they were all very helpful for this big kid out playing in nature!

A great place to go and rock climb while enjoying what nature has to offer. Over the years, there…read morehas been significantly more foot traffic, and as a result, more noise pollution and waste items have been popping up. I think that with more focus on an "all things in, all things out" approach, this area would be better for both bouldering enthusiast in addition nature fanatics alike!

I can't even begin to explain how gorgeous this park/trail is. Me and my friends were heading to…read moreNiagara for the weekend, and wanted to start off the day with a physical activity. I found this place after doing a little bit of research, and I was not disappointed. The trail is a bit bumpy, unpaved, and difficult to go through. I personally love good trails and hikes, so it doesn't bother me. But i'll recommend wearing good running shoes with strong grip. As you're going through the trail, take it slow and easy so you don't slip on any unstable wood or rocks. You first go down a large staircase from the area I went through, then a 15 minute path. Once we reached the water, I was in awe. The water is bright blue, clean, the trees are as green as they can get, and the breeze is beautiful. The wind was blowing, which was refreshing after a sweaty trail walk. The views were unbelievable, including falls further away. I couldn't even believe it was in the Niagara area. If you're looking for a short trail and stunning views that transport you out of the city, this is the place to visit!! I will definitely be back and try different pathways :)

This is a lovely hike early in the day. Tons of stairs, you have to go up them on the way back…read more The path is fairly well marked, but has plenty of areas with a drop off so pay attention. I'm pretty familiar with this hike and enjoy it. Easy parking nearby.

We were in the first car and what a view!!…read more Pluses 1. Fun 2. Nice guide 3. Switch sides 4. Great views upon exiting 5. Nice gift shop Areas to improve 1. Not very handicap accessible 2. May be considered pricey Highly recommended!

The frightening and fantastically fun Niagara Falls Aero Car is like stepping into a giant metal…read morebirdcage and willingly dangling over a raging bathtub drain in which the Kraken from the Odessey might be living. One minute you're admiring the scenery, the next you're staring straight down at the abyss of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool Thankfully, the ride is smooth, the views are incredible, and everyone makes it back with great photos and a renewed appreciation for gravity. Gorgeous views of nature! Guiltily, I was really hoping someone would drop there $800 smart phone into the water, but that didn't happen. We came on a quiet weekday, so there was virtually no line! It's a brief ride, I wish it was longer and slowly process. Included with our Niagara Parks Pass.

When it's good it's good and when it's not it's not. So check it before you wreck it. Sometimes…read moremy fish was cooked great and 2 times it was fried too long. So there it is.

Get some park security. Half of the people on the playground aren't kids, they're adults having a…read morecook out. It's a good place to go when your board, but not a good place to get out and do something.

A small little garden in front of the Sherton. Plenty of flowers and bushes, as well as a…read morefountain. Nice little way to cross my one section of the street to another while enjoying a little scenery. A popular spot, I could see people walking in all day and night from my hotel room.

A beautiful park along the walkway facing Niagara Falls. The park dates back to 1937. Lovely…read moreornamental iron gates, a beautiful stone walkway through perfectly landscaped gardens and next to lily ponds before the amphitheater and then... the view over Niagara Falls. The fountain at the center of the park is the entranceway to Queen Victoria Park at the foot of Clifton Hills. A fabulous pergola for some shade (it was HOT this morning!). The park is perfect for your photo ops and is available for event rental overlooking American Falls near the Rainbow Bridge. [Review 1498 of 2024 - 174 in Ontario - 22521 overall]

Definitely a hidden gem on Grand Island! Tucked in the far back corner of a cemetery, most people…read morehave no idea it's even back there. I do feel a bit odd, driving into a cemetery just to go for a hike, but it's totally worth it. The raised wooden walkways make for a very unique experience and it's a long, meandering, awesome park through the woods. It's VERY WET - so definitely be sure to load up on bugspray b/c even if it's not "bug season" you WILL GET DESTROYED by mosquitos!

This might have been the most mosquito infested park I've ever went to. Sadly , I would have…read moreenjoyed exploring the grounds and wildlife more , if it wasn't for the damn bugs ! Boards across the trails prevent muddy shoes, which is nice . Signs of potential wildlife are found throughout . But did I mention the mosquitos ?!?!

I was amazed at how modern and cool this playground is. A…read moreten minute drive from the falls. Without a doubt the best "outdoor" bathrooms in the world. And this must not be a secret because I saw two delivery drivers stop in. My boys had a ball here. There's something for kids of virtually ages to do here. If you're in the area with your kids, this is a must stop.

Okay this park has a COOL playground! I was even playing on it as an adult. There are lots of areas…read moreto climb, smaller areas for kids, swings, and a musical portion. Definitely something for all kids to enjoy. This park has lots of well-maintained grassy areas, good climbing trees, and a path to see the Falls, making it a great park to check out, especially considering that it's free! There's also a dog park located here, bathrooms, picnic tables in a covered pavilion, and charcoal grills.