Whirlpool State Park and Devil's Hole State Park- Niagara Falls, New York

There are 3 state parks on the US side of Niagara Falls which are worth a visit: Niagara Falls State Park, Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park.

Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park can be accessed from the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Centre which is situated on the Robert Moses Parkway about 1 mile (1-2 kms) from the Falls. The Centre is the gateway to some of the best hiking in the area and offers beautiful views from both the rim trail and the gorge.

 
View of Niagara River and hydroelectric plant from rim trail

 
View of the niagara whirlpool from the rim trail

 
Stairs leading from rim trail to gorge trail

 
Cave of the Evil Spirits,Devil's Hole State Park

 
Devi's Hole State Park Trail

Devil’s Hole State Park is a 42 acre park which is situated on the American side of the Niagara River right next to Whirlpool State Park. The two parks are linked together by the gorge trail which spans several miles. The park can also be accessed from an entrance off the Robert Moses Parkway where there is ample parking. A 300 ft steep winding staircase comprised of roughly 400 steps leads down into the gorge. Once in the gorge the trail leads to a unique geological formation called Cave of the Evil Spirits which is a 4 ft tall by 30 feet deep fissue in a large block of dolostone.

A complete loop from either the parking lot at Whirlpool State Park to Devils State Park and back is about 2.5 miles and will take 3-4 hours

Whirlpool State Park offers amazing views of the famous Whirlpool and Whirlpool Rapids. You will be completely mesmorised by The Niagara Whirlpool with its 125ft deep swirling waters which is a result of a dramatic turn in the flow of the river. This is an extremely dangerous and turbulent stretch of the Niagara River which is located downstream from the Niagara Falls. The narrow canyon walls force a massive amount of water through a smaller space resulting in Class V whitewater. For those seeking adventure, the only way to really get up close to the whirlpool is by going on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. The Whirlpool adjacent shoreline can also be accessed from the Canadian side via the Niagara Glen Reserve which features some more hiking trails that have nice views of the turbulent rapids. The park is accessed via a steep staircase which is overgrown with weeds from the Gorge Rim Trail. From the Gorge Rim Trail you will get great views of the Whirlpool and the Spanish Aero Car which takes passengers 250 feet above the whirlpool.