Incredible river, falls, and bridges – this is Niagara Falls!
We could never get tired of gawking at the three massive waterfalls collectively known as Niagara Falls, as we experienced them several times – on foot, bicycle and via a guided tour. How could we? The three falls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horsehoe Falls – are spectacular, breathtaking and awe inspiring. They are a required destination that we attempted to view from different angles and viewpoints. So, for those of you who have been there, bear with me. I can barely contain my excitement!
Below is an aerial view of the Niagara River, of which 10% flows to the American and Bridal Falls on the left, and 90% flows to the Horsehoe Falls on the right.
After chilling out at Lake Erie for a couple of days, we had our priorities set – walk and bike around the waterfalls. On the first day, our plan was to just stroll around Goat Island, but we got so excited with the waterfalls and surrounding beauty that we decided to turn it into a major walk. Our adventure started by walking around Goat Island and crossing the pedestrian bridge to Prospect Point, where we had an awesome view of the American Falls. Then we walked up to the observation tower and continued on to the Niagara Gorge Trailhead where we followed various trails, ending at the Whirlpool Gorge overlook.
Our walk began with a glowing rainbow at Terrapin Point – the top of Horseshoe Falls on the American side – a great omen for the awesome scenery ahead. The waterfalls can be viewed from the American side at Niagara Falls, New York or on the Canadian side at Niagara Falls, Ontario.

At the brink of Horseshoe Falls the thick mist obscures the view. Ontario, Canada is in the background.
Goat Island was so called because just a single goat survived out of many other animals during a severe winter in the 18th century. It is a small island in the Niagara River, located in the middle of Niagara Falls between the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. At this point we walked to Three Sisters Island, where along the river we saw a unique view of the upper rapids as it raced down to the Horseshoe Falls. We should point out that many major improvements have been completed during the spring of 2013 at several viewing points along the falls on the American side. They have done a fantastic job.

Viewing the Horseshoe Rapids

View of the thick mist created by the Horsehoe Falls at Three Sisters Island
We continued our walk across one of the two bridges connecting Goat Island, and here is where we got a prime view of the American Falls, the rapids and Bridal Veil Falls from Prospect Point near the observation tower.

American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (the last small falls in the distance), viewed from the observation tower – US side
Continuing on our trek, we ambled on to the Niagra Gorge trailhead where a series of trails parallels the Niagara River Gorge. We passed under the Rainbow Bridge, where pedestrians can walk across and get spectacular views of the falls on the Canadian side.

Vehicles and pedestrians move between nations here
On our way to the Whirlpool Gorge we took the more rugged and scenic trails, the Great Gorge Railway Trail and Whirlpool Rapids Trail. Returning, we took the easier Niagara Gorge Rim Trail and the Robert Moses Recreation Trail. At the Whirlpool Overlook we learned how Niagara first formed many thousand of years ago, when the falls carved through the rocks and receded, forming the 7.1 mile gorge that we saw today.

Beneath the Whirlpool Bridges
The whirlpool rapids run at 22 mph, 35 feet deep and at a Class VI rating are considered among the most dangerous in the world. Fortunately we had no desire to challenge them!
The Whirlpool Gorge is so named because of the water which circulates through this section counter-clockwise and must dive under the incoming stream to continue down the river. In 1913, the aero car you see in the picture below was built by a Spanish engineer and is suspended on 6 interlocking steel cables. It travels between two cliffs on the Canadian side of the gorge.

These tourist inside the Aero Car has a good birds eye view of the whirlpool
Not content with our 11-mile walk in 90 degree temperatures on that day, we woke up early the following morning to bike back to the falls. The trailhead was at the foot of the North Grand Island bridge.

North Grand Island bridge
As we biked along the Niagara River Trail we saw two water intake gates for the power plants, the mist of the falls on the horizon and finally Luna Island, where 10% of the river flows into the American and Bridal Veil Falls.

Can you tell how excited I am to be at the falls!

Under the North Grand Island bridges
And then we did what most toursist would do – got wet under the falls, heard the thunderous waters cascading down, felt its intensity and got inspired by the spectacular views at the foot of the waterfalls!
Strolling into Ontario, Canada across the Rainbow Bridge offered another stunning view of the falls, especially during the evening. This is the best way to get between the US and Canadian sides of the falls if you can, we walked across just to take some pictures and get dinner.

Horseshoe Falls viewed near Table Rock Visitor Center in Ontario, CA

Full view of the Horseshoe Falls that spans and connects the US and Canada

Sunset at Niagara Falls, viewed at the International Border Line at Rainbow Bridge

Sunset at Ontario, Canada

Posing at the Rainbow Bridge, Steve’s in Canada and I’m in the USA. He seemed unusually happy about that.

Sunset view of the American Falls from the Rainbow Bridge

Nighttime view of the American Falls, illuminated by powerful lights every night
Categories: New York, Where we have been
Envy-inducing adventure and sights you have here. That oughtta enter my bucket list.
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As always, your photos are amazing. Can’t wait to visit Niagara Falls next year. Safe Journey!
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Your photography is fabulous! It has been many years since we have been to Niagara Falls so this was a nice virtual visit for us. Some areas seemed unfamiliar to me so I am guessing many changes since our visit.
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You got that right Erin, we were really excited and happy that we could bike and hike at Niagara Falls.
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Im delighted you find my picture taking interesting. You are so kind. Peeling all those hundreds of pictures is a task in itself so Im glad I picked the right ones to share and get appreciated.
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Night time is also the best time to see the falls. Thanks.
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Thank you, it was a spectacular place.
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Thanks, the back to back hike and bike is just one of those crazy things we do when we really like the place such as Niagara Falls. Glad that we came when improvements had been made since we did not see nor experience the bad things we heard about the US side.
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Thanks Joanne, we had a great time there.
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For all that we’ve done in and around Niagara Falls, we’ve never hiked. A good excuse to go back. You both look delighted to be at the falls … excitement about visiting a place adds a whole other dimension to what you’re seeing and experiencing.
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Beautiful photos….again!!! You really have a good eye, and bring us the best photos at every stop. We admire your knack for getting up close with all of your adventures. Some of us just walk to the rim and snap a few pictures, but you bring us the detail and close up perspective. Thank you…..keep it up and we can only try and follow your good example!
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Wonderful photos! I want to go back now!
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Great post and photo set, let’s me really get a feel for the place. I’ve never been there.
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You are right, mon. This is another place we want to visit sometime. Your pictures are awesome. Makes us want to go NOW! Looking forward to your next adventure.
Avis
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Beautiful pictures!!
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Amazing Post!!!!! And the pictures are great, especially the night photos with the lights!!!
Take Care and God Bless 🙂 Kenny T
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WOW!!! Beautiful! Thanks!!!
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Fantastic post. Thanks for sharing. The photos are wonderful.
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Another WOW! The sunset pictures are spectacular! An 11 mile hike in one day…www…followed by a bike ride the next day. I am impressed! I am so glad to hear that improvements have been made on the American side for walks and views. It was pretty bad when we were there several years ago. Love the picture of you two on the bridge!
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Stunning!
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Stunning photos ML! What a spectacular tour you have shared with us! And love, love your map. Tomorrow we begin our second year of hosting in Glacier National Park. Travel safe! JoAnne
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