Niagara Falls State Park
Follow the American side of Niagara from rapids and wooded islands to overlooks close enough to feel the spray.
Artwork inspired by Frederic Edwin Church
Niagara Falls State Park is more than one viewing rail. The river splits around Goat Island before plunging over Horseshoe Falls on one side and American and Bridal Veil Falls on the other. Walk from Prospect Point toward Luna Island to distinguish the latter two; cross to Goat Island to see how the river accelerates toward the brink. Changing sightlines make the geography clearer than a postcard view.
The grounds are free to enter on foot throughout the year; parking and close-up attractions cost extra. Cave of the Winds approaches Bridal Veil Falls from below, while the boat heads into the mist on another route. Neither is necessary for a rewarding visit. Expect wet paving and wind near the falls, even on warm days.
- Watercourse
- Niagara River
- Island crossing
- Goat Island
- Walk-in access
- Free
Quick guide
- Compare edges
- See American Falls from Prospect Point, then cross toward Goat Island for a different angle.
- Choose one add-on
- Decide whether a boat ride or Cave of the Winds suits your time, budget, and tolerance for spray.
Know before you go
- Begin upstream
- Watch the river gather speed before looking over the brink.
- Separate the falls
- Use Luna Island to distinguish American Falls from the smaller Bridal Veil Falls.
- Change banks
- Walk to Goat Island and compare the Horseshoe Falls side of the river.
- Prepare for spray
- Protect electronics and expect wet paving near close-up viewpoints.
Good to know
The park entrance does not include boat rides or Cave of the Winds. A passport is unnecessary for the New York overlooks; crossing the international bridge into Canada is a separate trip.
Notice these
- American Falls
- Luna Island
- Goat Island