Niagara Falls USA Travel Guide 2017

OUTDOOR
01: Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls | 02: Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park
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“It’s Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most beautiful
natural wonders in the world. Who wouldn’t
want to walk across it? NIK WALLENDA | Daredevil
>>EXPLORER: From high-in-the-sky
to being one with the water, there are many
ways to experience the majesty of Niagara
Falls USA. Start at the Observation Tower
where you’ll get a mind-blowing 360-degree
view of the American, Bridal Veil and
Horseshoe Falls—and maybe even see
a Bald Eagle or a Peregrine Falcon, as it’s
also a great spot for birdwatching.
Next, aboard the historic Maid of the Mist.
Join the millions of people—from U.S.
presidents to famous movie stars—who’ve
donned their blue poncho and sailed into the
mist of the Horseshoe Falls.
Ride the Niagara Scenic Trolley or walk
to the Cave of the Winds tour. Take an
elevator down 175 feet into the Niagara
Gorge and gear up with a souvenir poncho
and specially-designed sandals. Make your
way across the wooden walkway that leads
to the Hurricane Deck. Here, 70,000 gallons
of water per second cascades over the
American and Bridal Veil Falls creating
tropical storm-like conditions. Talk
about a rush!
>>ADVENTURER: If you love hiking,
you’ll love the parks around Niagara Falls
USA. Goat Island, nestled between the
Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls, offers
spectacular views from a different
perspective and is home to the Nikola Tesla
monument. On the south side of Goat
Island lies Three Sisters Islands. These
tiny islands are connected by bridges, so
you can cross the mighty Niagara River
while strolling from one to the other.
For more challenging hikes, explore the
Niagara Gorge Trail System, made up of a
series of smaller trail sections that parallel
the Niagara River Gorge. There you’ll find:
Devil’s Hole, Whirlpool and Artpark State
Park (Earl W. Brydges). At Whirlpool State
Park, tackle either the Rim Trail, a relatively
easy hike of 2.5 miles round-trip, or the more
difficult Rapids Trail with 3.25 miles of paths
and a little “boulder hopping” along the way.
Then descend into Devil’s Hole via 300 stone
steps that wind their way down the Gorge.
When you reach the bottom, relax for a
moment and enjoy the stunning sights and
sounds of the Niagara River. Now, get your
heart really pumping as you climb back up!
>>THRILL-SEEKER: It doesn’t
get any cooler than gliding across the
Niagara River in a 1650-horsepower jet
boat. Unless, of course, you’re also doing
360-degree spins and crashing through
Class V white water rapids—which you
will be, so hold on tight.
If you’re looking for excitement, check out
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours or Niagara Jet
Adventures. Both companies offer wet and
dry seating, but for the full experience you
definitely need to get soaked! (Just be sure
to bring a change of clothes.)
For an up close experience, Niagara Jet
Adventures offers co-pilot tickets, allowing
riders to stay dry and enjoy unobstructed
views of the Niagara River. And on Whirlpool
Jet Boat Tours, arrive early and sit in one of
the first three rows, known as the “power
rows”—you’ll see why!
Consider riding a bike to get
around Niagara Falls. Bring
your own or rent one from
Niagara Falls Bike Rentals.
Call (716) 345-5446 for more information.
Find us @niagarafallsusa niagarafallsusa.com | 1-877-FALLS US 13