🌲 State Park
🥾 Hard
⚠️ Steep stairs
🐕 Dogs allowed
Whirlpool State Park
Stone stairs down into the gorge beside the Niagara Whirlpool and its Class VI rapids. Now officially the Whirlpool Area of Niagara Falls State Park.
Highlights
- Overlooks the Niagara Whirlpool, where the river makes a sharp bend
- Class VI whirlpool rapids, about a mile long, with standing waves of 12–15 feet
- Captain Matthew Webb drowned here trying to swim the rapids in 1883
🥾 Trails
-
Whirlpool Rapids Trail
HardStarts at the Whirlpool Stairs down into the gorge. Rock scrambling. Closed south of "the Flats" because of fallen rocks (posted Oct 2024).
-
Niagara Gorge Rim Trail
EasyThe easy option along the top of the gorge, with views down to the whirlpool.
Know before you go
- Where to start
- Main entrance off the Niagara Scenic Parkway, along Whirlpool Street. The Whirlpool Stairs start near the parking area.
- Seasons & closures
- The lower Whirlpool Rapids Trail is closed south of "the Flats" because of fallen rocks and unstable conditions. Check the official page for current closures.
- ⚠️ Safety
- Steep stone stairs, uneven ground, roots and boulder scrambles. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
The climb back up is strenuous. Bring at least 1 liter of water per 2 hours.
Lower trails run beside sheer drops with no barriers.
Swimming or entering the water is strictly prohibited, with heavy fines.
Finish in daylight. The gorge gets dark earlier than the rim.