Niagara Falls State Park – US Niagara Falls

Overview of Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott niagara falls

Explore all of the beauty beyond the Falls on one of our many Niagara Falls hiking trails.

From touring the ruins of the first hydroelectric power station, to hiking some of the best trails in the country, Niagara Falls is action-packed. Here are some of the things you can explore on your visit to the Niagara Falls Gorge:

Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center

The Niagara Gorge hiking trails all begin at the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center, the gateway to some of the best hiking and biking trails in the region. The local Gorge Trail System offers both easy trails to follow and challenging sections of trails that have steep stairs to climb and rocks to scramble over. Please be aware that conditions are ever-changing in the Niagara Gorge, and hikers should be prepared with sturdy footwear as well as water. Hikers MUST stay on marked trails and avoid entering the water.Guided Niagara Gorge hiking tours are offered mid-May through October.

Call 716-282-5154 for group rates and information. Please note that there is a five-person minimum for tours.

Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike

This easy, one-hour round trip hike begins at the Trailhead Building. There is no age requirement for this trail, and is recommended for beginners.

Upper Great Gorge Hike

Another great trail for beginners, this easy, two-hour round trip hike begins at the Trailhead Building and follows the Great Gorge Railway Trail. There is no age requirement for this trail.

Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock

As a more moderate trail, guests hiking Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock must be at least 8 years of age. The trail begins at Devil’s Hole State Park and is a moderate level 2.5-hour hike round trip.

Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike

One of the most challenging trails that Niagara Falls State Park has to offer, the Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike is recommended for experienced hikers, who are at least 8 years of age. The trail begins at Whirlpool State Park, and is a three-hour hike round trip, where you can expect some boulder hopping.

Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins

Take an elevator into the Niagara Gorge to discover the remains of the former Schoellkopf Power Plant.

The Schoellkopf Power Station was constructed in three sections between 1905 and 1924, and at the time of its completion was the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. The complex included offices, gatehouses, and other buildings at the top of the Niagara Gorge, and turbine-generator stations located at the base. Water was diverted from the Niagara River above the falls, by a 4,600′ canal that ran through the city to the edge of the gorge.

On the morning of June 7, 1956, workers noticed water seeping into the plant from the back wall. By mid-afternoon, the cracks in the rear wall were widening while 40 men worked with sandbags to stop the flow of water.

At 5:00 PM, the Schoellkopf Power Station sustained a catastrophic collapse which destroyed two thirds (2/3) of the plant. Six generators capable of producing 322,500 horsepower had been demolished. Damage was estimated at $100 million dollars. The most devastating was the sudden loss of 400,000 kilowatts of power from the power grid. Suddenly, a loud rumble was heard from behind the wall, and the wall began to collapse. One of the workers, Richard Draper of Lewiston, was killed. The rest escaped unscathed. The entire southern portion of the plant collapsed into the river below. As the generators blew apart, some debris was propelled to the Canadian side of the gorge.

In 2013, the Maid of the Mist began construction on the site as a location to store their boats during the harsh winter months. As part of that project, the original elevator shaft was restored and elevator access to the Gorge and the Schoellkopf site was granted.

Visitors can also access a connected hiking trail as well. The Schoellkopf Power Station Trail is a moderate 0.8 mile long trail.

There is no cost to ride the elevator and it is open seasonally.