Niagara Falls Gorge

feel niagara’s power - after the falls!

Once you experience this hike, you’ll never think of Niagara Falls the same again. We start in a quiet parking area away from the hustle and bustle of the Falls area. We descend into the gorge, thanks to some incredibly talented stone masons of years gone by. Five hundred steps later we’re in the bottom of the gorge, with the rapid flowing Niagara River in front of us.

We head up river, towards the Whirlpool. Stopping to admire how the pool was created, we quickly arrive at the Whirlpool Rapids, and find a seat close to the raging river. Be mesmerized by huge standing waves and swift flowing troughs. Then, we’ll continue our exploration towards the Whirlpool Bridge and discover long-abandoned entrepreneurial ruins, breathtaking rock formations and maneuver around leftover boulders. We’ll return downriver, with great views of the Canadian side’s lush woodlands.

Calendar: See available dates & sign up for this experience below or from the previous page.

Difficulty: This is rated moderately difficult - there are 500 steps to traverse both down to the bottom and then returning up to your vehicle. There are also boulders & rocks to maneuver around or crouch down through. The entire hike is bright sun, so slather on that sunscreen! It can be quite dry and hot at the bottom so bring lots of water.

Length: 4 miles, out and back.

Estimated Time: 4 Hours, but may be longer because of hiker speed, trail conditions or unexpected event.

Private Tours: Group tours are scheduled for Tuesday’s, but private tours are available. Call us for availability.

Refund/Cancellation policy: This hike is rain or shine. For all day hikes you may cancel up to twenty four (24) hours before start time for a full refund. If hike is canceled by Trail Otter due to adverse weather conditions, you will have the option to reschedule or a full refund.

Where to meet: We ask that you meet us at Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls. Please meet twenty minutes before your scheduled hike to ensure liability forms are complete and you are prepared for the hike.

What to bring/wear: Depending on the weather, bring seasonally appropriate clothing. Avoid cotton, especially socks - wool or synthetic socks are best. Bring a change of footwear and socks for your car ride home just in case it is wet or muddy. Bring LOTS of water & sunscreen, as it can be very dry and hot at the bottom of the gorge. There are no trees for shade, so the sun bakes everything. If you are accustomed to using hiking poles for balance, they will work great for this hike.

This hike is late spring, summer and early fall only.

COVID Requirement: Masks required for unvaccinated participants.

Dogs: We love ‘em, but unfortunately they are not allowed on this hike because of the close proximity to others on very narrow trails.