New York Side

The American side, located in New York, is where you will be able to take in Niagara Falls up close and personal. However, unless you’re going on a paid excursion, you’re only going to see the falls from the top down or from a side profile. If you don’t want to fork out more money on top of admission and parking fees for a paid excursion, your experience could be underwhelming.

The American side, however, is noticeably quieter than the Canadian side. This could be attributed to the reputation Canada has as the “better side.” The Canadian side also has quite a few urban developments aimed to draw even more tourists to the area, such as a towering Ferris wheel.

Attractions

Maid of the Mist

Maid of the Mist is best described as America’s most amazing boat ride since 1846. This boat ride is the best way to take in the falls from below—seeing the raging currents, hearing the deafening thunder, and feeling the refreshing mist of 600,000 gallons of water falling before your eyes. For over 100 years, captains have safely navigated tens of millions of visitors directly into the center of the swirling mist.

Don’t forget your rain poncho for this attraction.

Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds takes thrill seekers as close to the falls as you can get, where “soaking up the experience” really holds true. The journey begins with an elevator ride 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge. Covered with a poncho, guests follow wooden walkways along Niagara River to the Hurricane deck, where they can experience and feel the torrents of Niagara Falls.

This attraction is only available on the American side.

Observation Tower

To get a panoramic view of all three Niagara Falls the best option is the Niagara Falls Observation Tower. Extending over Niagara Gorge, the architectural wonder provides unobstructed views of the cascading Niagara Falls, as well as the raging whitewater rapids below.

Facts about American side

• Height: 180 ft (56 metres)
• Crestline: 1075 ft (328 metres) wide
• Estimated Water Flow: Each second 75,000 gallons
• Recent Notable Rock Fall: 1954 (Fall at the north of Prospect Poin

The Canadian Side

The Canadian side is where you see most of the pictures of Niagara Falls, with the ability to capture gorgeous panoramas of both the American Falls and the mighty Horseshoe Falls. You won’t be able to get as close to the falls as you can on the American side, however you can get to the brink of Horseshoe Falls. With the stunning views comes an increase in price—it is more expensive to stay at, park, and eat on this side. This side also has less of the natural appeal that can be found on the American side. Instead, it has been largely developed and turned into a major tourist attraction.

Best seen from the Canadian side aside from the three waterfalls, is the floodlights that begin once darkness falls until midnight. They seemingly change colors at random which makes this a mesmerizing sight—you can easily lose track of time while enjoying this view.

Note: U.S citizens returning to the U.S. after visiting Niagara Falls Canada are required to provide a passport, passport card, or enhanced drivers license at the immigration checkpoint.

Which side is the better side?

Both sides have their advantages and disadvantages, and features that may be more appealing to some. For those seeking more of a nature-filled experience, the American side is arguably the destination of choice. This side is also better for those seeking a quieter and relatively less commercialized feel than its Canadian neighbor. However, the views on the American side will not be as spectacular unless you pay for an excursion.

The Canadian side is better in terms of what you could see and do without paying for an excursion. There are also hotels that offer breathtaking views of the falls you can enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your room. To contrast, the Canadian side does have more of a Las Vegas feel with its high rise casinos, intense foot traffic, and high prices.

With both sides you take the good and the bad, so why not check them both out?

Address: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Photo Credit: Bill Blevins, David Berkowitz, Prayitno, Bon Adrien

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The glacier-carved gorge responsible for Gorge Trail’s name, is nestled in the western part of New York State between Buffalo and Rochester, surrounded by a wilderness park. The locals refer to the gorge as the “Grand Canyon of the east” and although it may not be on the same massive level as the popular Arizona attraction, it is still an impressive site to take in. It should be noted that the Gorge Trail is not a loop, and getting to the end of it leaves the hiker stranded seven miles from their car. Some hiking groups conquer this by leaving another vehicle at the end of the trail at the St. Helena picnic area.

7-Mile Thru-Hike Option/14-Mile Round Trip

Known as the most popular hiking trail at Letworth State Park—and for good reason—the trailhead for the Gorge Trail begins at the parking area near the Portageville entrance at the southern end of the park. The trail starts across the road from the parking area. The trail traverses beneath a railroad trestle and descends toward Upper Falls. Soon you’ll cross the usually low Degenawanus Creek. On your left you’ll spot the 15-foot Shadow Falls and on your right, below you’ll catch a glimpse of the 15-foot Degewanus Falls. Soon you’ll approach the Middle Falls.

Compared to the relatively short distance between the Upper Falls and Middle Falls, the journey to the 55-foot Lower Falls is much longer. The gorge begins to deepen in this area and become sketchy. While some sections of the Gorge Trail have protective walls and fences, other sections are surprisingly unprotected. One misstep and you could potentially plummet into the gorge below. However, this can easily be avoided as the trail is very wide in most sections—simply put yourself at a safe distance from the rim and continue your hike at this distance. Climb down the 127 steps to the Lower Falls lookout point to capture some photos and bask in the beauty of the waterfall.

Middle Falls

5.2-Mile Round Trip Option

If a 14-mile round trip journey sounds a bit unbearable or you don’t want to take two cars, there is also a 5.2-mile round trip trek you can take that begins at the Lower Falls parking area. From the parking lot veer left at the trail junction near the concession stand and restroom building. Climb down the 127 steps to take in the Lower Falls before heading back up the steps and turning right at the junction. 1 mile along the Gorge Trail you’ll reach more stone steps, but this set is much shorter than the set to the Lower Falls.

Lower Falls

At 1.6 miles you will reach Inspiration Point—arguably the most famous view in the park. Looking southwest, two of the three waterfalls can be seen: Upper and Middle Falls. Past Inspiration Point you will gradually climb to reach the highest point of the hike.

At 2.4 miles the trail crosses a steep ravine on a sidewalk built next to the park road. On the south side of the bridge, you leave the main park road for an overlook of the gorge, cross the upper/middle falls access road, descend down stone steps and cross the access road again to reach the overlook for Middle Falls. Follow the pain blazes carefully at these turns. At 107 feet high, Middle Falls plunges over several layers of rock with enough volume to create a rainbow in the mist.

On top of Upper Falls

3 miles into the hike you will arrive at the viewing platform for Upper Falls. This 71-foot waterfall is perhaps best distinguished by the active railroad trestle that sits above it. The Gorge Trail continues past Upper Falls another 0.2 miles, but most of that distance involves climbing more stone steps and no other main interest points. This is where it is recommended to return back to the Lower Falls trailhead and retrace your steps.

View point

Gorge Trail Tips

Tip 1: The Portageville Entrance is closed during the winter.

Tip 2: Exercise caution when taking pictures/exploring the falls. It is unnecessary to cross walls or fences to get a spectacular view, it can be seen safely from the trail.

Tip 3: Central New York Hiking recommends taking two vehicles or a shuttle, parking one at the Mary Jemison Parking Area and the other at either St. Helena picnic areas, finishing your hike at St. Helena.

Tip 4: Entrance to the park is $8. Parking attendants are helpful in providing directions and trail maps.

Tip 5: Each of the falls (Upper, Middle, Lower) has it’s own parking area near the trail with picnic tables, restrooms, and gift shops.

Tip 6: This trail is probably not suitable for small children. There are many sections where an individual could simply walk right into the gorge. While this hiking destination is beautiful, it holds a decent amount of danger for small children.

Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Total Distance: 7 miles, 14 miles, or 5.2 miles

Letchworth State Park Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427

GPS Coordinates: N 42.57216 W 78.05213

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