A few miles north of Niagara Falls near Lewiston in Niagara County, New York, Devils Hole State Park lies on the American side of the Niagara River, adjacent to Whirlpool State Park. The park is open year-round to visitors for free, but sections of the trail may be closed or unsafe if there’s heavy rain or snow.

Household pets are allowed, as long as they’re kept on leashes or cages. Before you start your hike, you may want to find the restrooms located at the top of the gorge of Devils Hole entrances.

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Devils Hole Trail is an easy 3.9-kilometer route that’s great for all skill levels. The trail begins from the Devils Hole parking area and descends immediately via a stone stairway, through lofty hardwood forests until it reaches the bottom of the gorge.

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Though it may seem intimidating, the stairway is safe and will usher you 300 feet down into Devils Hole. Don’t be distracted by the stone steps, make sure to look around so you don’t miss the breathtaking sights as you descend.

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Once you reach the bottom of the gorge, you’ll notice that the trail splits in two. Take the left path to continue along the Devils Hole Trail. It follows the Niagara River along several cliffs and through a canopy of trees.

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The views along the river are worth photographing. From the shaded cliff-sides to the rare ferns and mosses that carpet the forest floors. Birds of various species also adorn the massive river, rocks, and earth.

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A few minutes along the Niagara River, brings the trail to an end, at the junction it meets the Whirlpool Rapids Trail. Due to their proximity, both trails share a few routes, so be sure to follow the markings of the Devils Hole Trail so as not to get lost.

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For parking, locate the two parking lots at the entrance on the Robert Moses State Parkway. If you would like to plan your hike properly, visit the Devil Hole State Park website for more information. 

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Address: Devil’s Hole State Park, Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, USA