The cable car over the whirlpool on the lower Niagara River.
No words could ever properly describe the awesome power of Niagara Falls as it constantly dumps more than a half-million gallons of water over a sharp edge to explode below with such force that the mist rises above the river from where it came! At night, colored lights illuminate the falls into an erie scene of beauty accompanied by the resounding crash from millions of gallons of water tumbling dramatically into blackness of the gorge below. Even in winter when the falls freeze to form gigantic razor-tipped icicles, Niagara Falls is a magnificent sight to behold!
All of this fresh and highly oxygenated water has created numerous other wonders downstream as well as one of the most fertile fisheries in America. Beyond the falls, the Niagara River passes through the Whirlpool in the Niagara Gorge which can be easily seen from Whirlpool State Park in Niagara County. This natural whirlpool was formed more than 4,000 years ago and is said to be 125 feet at its deepest point. Though the natural rotation in the whirlpool is counterclockwise, it often reverses direction when water is diverted to nearby hydroelectric plants.
Very near Whirlpool State Park is the 42-acre Devil’s Hole State Park offering an upper level that is quite open and complete with picnic tables and cooking grills and is free to use. The Niagara Gorge Rim Trail passes through the park and affords spectacular views of the gorge, the river, and Devil’s Hole, which was formed in the last ice age.
Salmon anglers at Devil’s Hole on the lower Niagara River.
The Devil’s Hole is one of the best fishing areas in New York, and fishing boats can be seen along its length during most of the year. Catches include king and coho salmon during the fall and steelhead and lake trout during winter months. The rest of the Niagara River all the way to where it enters Lake Ontario is prime smallmouth bass territory … especially around old Fort Niagara and in the first part of the lake.
One of the best places to visit along this part of the Niagara River is the historic village of Lewiston where French explorers and Indians traded, and we fought with the English Canadians during the War of 1812. I would highly suggest taking a historical boat ride on the Erie Canal out of the nearby town of Lockport and cruise under the famous “Upside-Down railroad bridge.
These are simply suggestions of other things to do and see in the area, but the wonder of Niagara Falls is still the main reason people come. This gorgeous landmark defines the border between Canada and the United States and is located about 20 miles north of Buffalo, N.Y. The falls can be seen by a number of methods including boats from below the falls. The best way to view this awesome spectacle, however, is to walk the catwalks, trails, and sidewalks.
Rainbow over the American Falls at Niagara.
The actual falls include three distinct cataracts. The tallest are the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side, which dive 180 feet over sharp rocky outcroppings and are separated by tiny Luna Island. The more famous Horseshoe Falls are much wider, and more impressive. These falls curve their way across from Goat Island on the American side to Canada.
Niagara Falls dates back 12,000 years and was formed when the retreat of melting glaciers allowed water trapped in Lake Erie to gush north to Lake Ontario. During those beginning years, the falls were seven miles downriver, but constant erosion has cut them back to their current site.
Terrapin Point on Goat Island is in the middle of the Niagara River just above the falls, and allows a wonderful vista from above the Horseshoe Falls. One might also take the Cave of the Winds tour which leads down to the base of the falls by elevator. The crashing water is so close and the mist so dense, rainwear is issued to everyone.
Even though the scene is captivating, one is only observing about half the volume of water – the rest is diverted to hydroelectric power stations. Nevertheless, Niagara Falls is truly one of the world’s wonders, and everyone should see this marvel of nature once in their lifetime … and the fall colors are spectacular!
Famous “Upside-Down Bridge” on the Erie Canal.
Fort Niagara at the mouth of the Niagara River.
For additional information, visit www.niagara-usa.com.
Photos: by Bill Vanderford
