This Trail Leading To A Gorgeous Whirlpool Is Often Called One Of The Best Hikes In New York
By Lisa Sammons|Published December 02, 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
There are so many great trails in New York that it can be difficult to sift through them all! Whether you’re looking for mountains, forests, waterfalls, or river views, there’s so much to explore here. One unique hike that we really love is the Devil’s Hole Trail in Devil’s Hole State Park. It measures about 2.4 miles and is a loop trail of moderate difficulty. It does contain quite a few stairs, so you will definitely get your cardio workout for the day! No matter the season, the views here can’t be beat.
The 42-acre Devil's Hole State Park is just north of the city of Niagara Falls. It's a really unique state park featuring rapids, caves, and a fascinating whirlpool.
The views on the main trail are stunning. The Niagara River's clear water and often turbulent movement is awe-inducing. It's a really great trail for seeing all the beauty of New York.
The park was the site of a 1700s skirmish between the Seneca tribe and European settlers. It's said that some areas are now haunted, and if you steal a rock from the park, you'll be cursed with bad luck.
There are nearly 500 stairs to get down into the gorge. This is definitely not a good hike for those with strollers or wheelchairs, so make sure to opt for a more accessible trail if you have any mobility concerns.
The trail will take you right down into the Niagara River Gorge. The swirling water is quite powerful and swimming or off-trail hiking is strictly prohibited.