Niagara Falls State Park Is The Single Best State Park In New York And It's Just Waiting To Be Explored
By Lisa Sammons|Updated on February 20, 2024(Originally published July 21, 2021)
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
Niagara Falls is not only one of the best-known state parks in New York but also the world. When Travel and Leisure recently named the best state park in each of the 50 states, some choices were contentious, but New York’s was a bit of a no-brainer. Yes, we’ve got plenty of amazing state parks in New York that are definitely worth exploring. But there’s one that stands out above the rest as having captured the imagination of not just New Yorkers, but the entire world. Can you guess it? That’s right we’re talking about Niagara Falls State Park.
As you likely already know, Niagara Falls is actually three separate waterfalls.
The largest, Horseshoe Falls (also known as Canadian Falls) is right along the Canadian border. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are in New York. The falls are part of the Niagara River and flow north.
Together, the falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America that is over 160 feet. More than six million cubic feet of water go over the falls every single minute.
When we went just looking at the top of the waterfalls and seeing the mighty flow was almost enough to make the trip worth it. We sat and watched for a long time as the water shifted, churned, and roared down the cliffside. There is, however, no substitute for getting right at the base of the falls. With a tour on the Maid of the Mist, you can get right up close to the action.
In our experience, the Maid of the Mist is an absolute must when visiting Niagara Falls. Hearing the roar of the water rushing down and feeling the whipping winds as you get closer is one of those one-in-a-lifetime moments you won't soon forget.
After your boat ride you will have the opportunity to walk up the stairs right next to the falls for more fantastic views. So don't run off to stand in line for the elevator when you can take advantage of this incredible spot. Here is a quick pro-tip we learned, keep your iconic blue ponchos because the closer you get to the falls the wetter you will get.
An 1883 group fought to regain the lands from private interests so that all people could enjoy them for their beauty and natural wonder. In 1885, Governor (and future President) Grover Cleveland designated the area as Niagara Falls Reservation. This allowed us to enjoy this natural beauty we can visit to this very day, and we encourage you to do so.
The beauty of the falls is certainly more than enough to draw nearly 10 million visitors a year to the park. But there are also several easy hikes right around the Niagara Gorge.
One thing we learned while visiting was just how calm the water seemed right before it fell. There were birds perched on the ledge seemingly unaffectied but the surge of flowing water. There are also many different angles you will want to see the falls including taking a walk over the bridge to Goat Island and seeing the many different viewpoints.
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If you crave even more of a closer view of the waterfall then make sure to check out the Cave of the Winds. You get to walk down a raised boardwalk and stand directly underneath the torrents of falling water. At Niagara Falls you can check off multiple bucklist items, or maybe we have helped inspire you to write a few more on your list.
Have you been to Niagara Falls in New York? Or do you have another New York state park that you prefer even more? Share your opinions in the comments! For more information about this beautiful state park and national treasure, check out the Niagara Falls State Park website. Also make sure you check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see the Maid of the Mist, the falls, and the surrounding area.
Don’t forget to get your Maid of the Mist tickets before you go for the iconic must-see boat ride at Niagara Falls.
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