Niagara Falls, N.Y.- There are numerous ways to explore the beauty of Niagara USA and the regions unique offerings. With the establishment of a bike rental operation on Old Falls Street, Niagara's attractions, restaurants and parks can be visited on two wheels.

Let's just say that by biking Niagara, even a born and raised resident can uncover a backdoor trail which exposes a side of Niagara that I have never explored.

This past weekend, I rented a bicycle from Ride Niagara Bicycle Rentals (Map), $15 for a half day and $25 for a full day, and was able to explore Niagara Falls State Park, take in lunch at a City of Niagara Falls eatery and pedal into the Niagara Gorge, uncovering breathtaking vistas and intimate views of the Niagara River rapids.

The newly established bike rental operation along Old Falls Street offers an array of bikes, including mountain bikes and cruisers, as well as city maps and suggested routes, which set bikers up for the perfect day of exploring Niagara Falls.

After choosing a bike and pedaling away from Old Falls Street, a short trip landed me in Niagara Falls State Park, where I maneuvered through the holiday weekend crowds and was face-to-face with the mighty Niagara Falls in less than 10 minutes. A short jaunt from the Falls along the upper river rapids and across the pedestrian foot bridge, led me to Goat Island. Here, bikers are offered additional views of the Falls and an opportunity to lock up the bike and cool off on the Cave of the Winds, which I chose to do.

Following the Cave and a bit more exploring in the State Park, including Three Sisters Island, I rode into the city and grabbed lunch at Cafe Lola (Map), which features awesome Panini’s, soups and homemade gelato.

Following lunch, I went on the tackle the Niagara Gorge. Starting from the Gorge Discovery Center, (Map), I biked along the Great Gorge Railway Trail, which is a 1.1-mile trail that descends into the Niagara Gorge passing underneath the Whirlpool Bridges. While biking however, I found numerous overlooks, which provided breathtaking vistas of the gorge, and Niagara River. Being an avid Niagara Gorge hiker, I was pleasantly surprised to have never found these off the beaten path overlooks. The trail meandered its away along the shale cliffs down the river’s edge, where the seemingly placid, but fast moving waterway turns into a torrent of class V and class VI rapids.

Biking up the 300-foot climb was certainly more difficult than coasting down, but wasn't too much trouble. From start to finish the trip took approximately 4 hours including the wait at the Cave of the Winds, making the $15 bike rental well worth it.

Biking Niagara certainly offers a host of unexpected treasures that are simply a pedal away.

If You Go

What: Ride Niagara Bicycle Rentals

Where: Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14303(near the entrance to the state park)

When: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Cost: $15 for half day, $25 for half day

Contact: 716.278.2121, or visit fallsstreet.com

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