Hiking Trails Close to Niagara Falls 2024

Get your heart pumping from these mesmerizing views

Best time: April–mid-November

The Niagara Gorge Trail System is made up of a series of smaller trail sections that are parallel to the Niagara River Gorge. They offer some of the best biking and hiking trails in North America. You can explore a range of trails from easy to challenging ones, including a little boulder hopping and steep stairways. Hikes are mostly self-guided and are recommended from April to mid-November due to the weather conditions. Guided hikes are available from mid-May to October.

The geographic region traversed by the Niagara River north from the falls is known as the Niagara Gorge. Its trails are the hidden jewels of the area where you can observe the geological appeal of the place. What is perhaps the most attractive is that they are away from the crowds of tourists. Even on the busiest days, you will be lucky to only encounter a few people.

The upper Artpark Gorge Trail provides a gradual climb to the top where it meets the peripheral trail crossing to Devil’s Hole State Park. The lower River’s Edge Trail offers access to fishing. Trails begin at the upper end of the park at the small parking area.

The lower gorge leads to the Devil’s Hole Trail via stone stairs which offer unbelievable views of gorge rock layers and rapids.

The Erie Canalway Trail will turn walking or biking into the experience of a lifetime once you witness one of the world’s most renowned human-made waterways spanning between Buffalo and Albany. Exploring historical New York, Lockport or beyond has never been so magical.

Practical info

What is the best time of year to visit Niagara Gorge Trail System?

The Niagara Gorge Trail System is best explored from April to mid-November, when the hiking conditions are more favorable. The trail system offers visitors a range of hikes, from easy to challenging ones, with some requiring boulder hopping and walking up steep stairways. Guided hikes are available from mid-May to October.

Where can you access the Niagara Gorge Trail System?

To access the Niagara Gorge Trail System, visitors should park their cars at the small parking area located at the upper end of the park. From there, visitors can explore biking and hiking trails in the Niagara River Gorge area, which offers some of the best trails in North America. Visitors can also opt to walk or bike to Niagara Falls and take the Niagara Gorge Trail System from there.

What are the various types of hikes available on the Niagara Gorge Trail System?

The Niagara Gorge Trail System provides a variety of self-guided hikes, ranging from easy to challenging ones, and involve boulder hopping and steep stairways. The upper Artpark Gorge Trail presents a gradual rise to the top where it intersects with the peripheral trail crossing to Devil’s Hole State Park. The Lower River's Edge Trail offers access to fishing, while the lower gorge leads to the Devil's Hole Trail which offers stunning views of the gorge’s rock layers and rapids.

When are guided hikes available on the Niagara Gorge Trail System?

Visitors to the Niagara Gorge Trail System can book guided hikes between mid-May and October. Guided hikes provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the history and geological features of the Niagara River Gorge. These hikes are for everyone and have varying difficulty levels, including easy and challenging ones that involve steep stairways and boulder hopping. Visitors are encouraged to book their guided hikes in advance.

Can you access the Erie Canalway Trail from Niagara Falls?

When visiting Niagara Falls, visitors can indeed access the Erie Canalway Trail. This trail stretches along Buffalo and Albany, offering visitors stunning views of the area, including human-made waterways. Tourists can walk or bike along the Erie Canalway Trail and explore historical New York, Lockport, and other places. The best time to explore the Erie Canalway Trail is from April to mid-November.