Whirlpool State Park — Attraction in City of Niagara Falls

This is the pure power of mother nature at her best. But you have to work for it to get a front row seat! There is a scenic overlook up top that gives a great overview of the lower Niagara. There are restrooms as well (masks must be worn). However to get up close and personal you need to take the hike down to the Rapids Trail.

To access, head east (right if facing the building) and take a 5 minute walk to get to the stairs. For those in great shape this will be a fun descend. For those with kids it could be a challenge for some. For the elderly or those with limited mobility, think twice (not recommended). The stairs are old and not level, as most of them are essentially well placed rocks. There are jagged edges, areas that are not level and a few hundred steps. Most spots are narrow, so you will be passing others as you descent and ascend. When it is wet (especially with leaves), it can be slippery. There are not handrails. There are a few rock tables about 3/4 of the way down where you could relax or picnic.

Now that we have that out of the way, once you get to the bottom, head west (left) and follow the trail to get the best view. You will have areas that are relatively flat while there are others that have rocks to climb etc. Be careful, some areas a very narrow.

Most folks were courteous with mask wearing etc. Once you round the bend beneath the aerial cars, you are getting close to the best spot. Keep going to you see a large area on your right (by the water) where you can walk down and relax, while enjoying the power of the lower Niagara. You will be right next to raging water while imagining what daredevils were thinking, all while enjoying the beauty in front of you.

Once rejuvenated, make you way back up. An option for avid hikers would be to pass the Whirlpool stairs and walk further east to Devils Hole and take that stairwell. Once on top, you will have a longer walk back, but that is an option for an extended hike.

HINT: You can download a map. There is a nifty NYS Parks and Recreation app that is...

Went during the winter. Extremely beautiful and picturesque. Clear blue-green water, large cliffs, and an easy to walk trail near the rim on the top of the cliffs. You can opt to walk down a ton of stairs that will take you to another trail (lower trail) that follows the bank of the river. Id guess the lower trail is 30ft up from the actual river bank. There are a lot of stairs, and I mean a lot. I am in good shape and still got well winded coming back up them. If you want to fish/fishing/fisherman/trout/etc. (keywords) then you need to take the stairs down to the lower trail. Then walk down wherever you find a not so steep hill, preferably one you can get back up. I didn't see a state-made path to the bank from the lower trail, so you gotta make your own. Here is a WARNING for fishing or going down to the river from the lower trail. This is a dangerous river and one misstep can be your last. At best, a misstep and a twisted ankle can be really bad because you still have to get up all the stairs. I'm in my mid 20s, can get around well, and have common sense. If you aren't in decent shape and/or are lacking common sense, stay up on the lower trail. If you can handle it, it's WELL worth your efforts. To get to the stairs leading to the lower trail... park at whirlpool state park and follow the upper trial downriver. It's a decent hike to get to the stairs but don't get discouraged, you won't miss them if you keep going. Don't make my mistake and park at Devil's Hole State Park. It's a LONG walk to the stairs if you do that. I do a lot of traveling and hiking around NY and in my honest opinion, the lower Niagara River offers the best views in Western NY. Pair that with a challenging hike... And you got a...

This park is a hidden gem. Plenty of free parking, restrooms, drinking fountain, playground and trails along the gorge rim and down alongside the river.

The whirlpool is formed by the river making a 90 degree bend. Before the whirlpool, the river drops 90 verticle feet through the narrow rapids generating speeds of 34-40 MPH.

Then comes the giant whirlpool where the river dives underneath itself and exits into another 50 foot drop through the Devil’s Hole rapids.

Great views from the top along the railing or for more adventurous hikers, take the stairs and trail to the lower trail. The views are incredible but the trail is challenging. Stay on the trail and away from these dangerous and unforgiving waters. Wet rocks are slippery rocks. Stay safe.

The rocks at the “sandstone flats” date back to the Silurian period, about 425 mya; way before the dinosaurs.

The trail ends at an old concrete observation area up near the Whirlpool Rapids bridge. The rapids generate standing waves, some 20 feet high. Its a class V rapids.

Time your hike so you are out of the gorge before dark. Its too dangerous hiking in the dark. I usually figure 90 minutes roundtrip to the sandstone flats or 3 hours roundtrip to the end of the trail.

Great for exercise in these Covid times. Definite cardio and the 250 or so steps back up is a great leg-day workout. I use to do this hike 1-2 times per week. Now in my 60’s usualy 2-3 times each summer. Wear appropriate footwear.

Please respect the park and carry out everything you carry in.

Updated July 2024 - The park service has made improvements to the stairs leading from the top of the gorge down to the river. Its much safer now. Thank...