Whirlpool park new york

Once you are done enjoying the river, simply retrace your steps back up the winding stone staircase and then back along the trail to your car for a total hiking distance of roughly 2. While nearby Niagara Falls State Park draws a ton of visitors as it should , this spot is far off the radar and, even on a summer day, I had much of the place to myself. Ultimately, though, whether you just go to the overlook or spend hours hiking through the Niagara Gorge, Whirlpool State Park is a must-visit spot when exploring Niagara Falls, New York.

Looking for more spots to visit nearby? Jim Cheney is the creator of Uncovering New York. After spending 5. Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something at no additional cost to you. Jim Cheney. Leave this field empty. Please take action before you leave home to reduce the transport of aquatic invasives.

Visit the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation website by clicking here for more information regarding inspecting and cleaning your boat and gear.

Whirlpool State Park, located in the Niagara Region, has two levels - the street level has many scenic overlooks with spectacular views of the Whirlpool and rapids.

There are picnic facilities and a playground, as well as the gorge natural history room at the restroom building; both are open seasonally. The river level offers hiking and fishing by taking the staircase located just downstream from the main park area. At the base of the gorge, you can hike upstream along the Whirlpool Rapids Trail past the Whirlpool to a point along the Whirlpool Rapids.

You can return to this staircase to exit the gorge, or take the Devil's Hole Trail downstream to the Devil's Hole staircase to the top of the gorge at Devil's Hole State Park. From there, you can take the rim trail back to Whirlpool State Park.

Natural Features. The Niagara Whirlpool, with its ft. David's Gorge. As the Niagara River formed and the falls receded upstream cutting out a new gorge, it crossed this buried valley, quickly cutting away the soft dirt and stone filling. The point at which the falls met the old valley became the Whirlpool, and the falls followed the old gorge upstream. Enjoy a day of discovery as you connect to 15 destination sites along the mile route from the "Falls to the Fort.

Nearby Attractions. Activities and Amenities. Within Facility. GPS Info. It has nice views of the river and falls. Accessibility: There are 3 designated accessible spaces in the large paved parking lot off of Discovery Way at the south end of the trail.

All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved with partial edge barriers and railings. It is typically at least 5 feet wide with many wider passing spaces. There is a painted dividing line along some of the trail which reduces the width. There are benches and picnic tables along the route for resting. Top State Parks. Bear Mountain State Park. Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Watkins Glen State Park.