Niagara Falls, N.Y.- The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will be offering free guided hiking tours of the pictureesque Niagara Gorge this fall.

There really is something awe-inspiring about hiking the Niagara Gorge. From the raging rapids and swirling whirlpool to the pure natural beauty, aside from the Falls themselves, I’d say it doesn’t get much better in Niagara USA.

There are nearly a dozen hiking trails that span the length of the picturesque gorge stretch from Niagara Falls State Park to the New York Power Authority’s power vista. An array of hiking options including trekking more than 300 stairs down to the bank of the Niagara River or along the ruins of one of the world’s first commercial hydro-electric  power plants. Not to mention the beautiful fall foliage that encompasses the trails come October.

For full disclosure, growing up in Niagara Falls and now working here, I hike the gorge as often as possible, usually weekly and it never gets old. It is something everyone coming to Niagara USA should surely experience.

While the trails are perfect to be hiked alone or with a small group, beginning October 2, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host a series of free guided hikes into the Niagara Gorge, making the experience much more educational.

Here is what is being offered:

 Sunday, October 2
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Niagara Gorge Hiking Series-Devil’s Hole
Devil’s Hole State Park

Our first hike of the Niagara Gorge Hiking Series starts out at Devil's Hole State Park. Pack up your hiking gear and join a park naturalist as we descend the 300 plus stairs to learn about the geological history, flora and fauna, and the Devil’s Hole Massacre that occurred here 248 years ago! For information & registration call (716) 282-5154.

Saturday, October 15
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Niagara Gorge Hiking Series-American Falls
Gorge Trail
Niagara Falls State Park

Hike with us and learn about one of the first hydroelectric plants in the world! Our hike will take us down to the site of the Schoellkopf Power station. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Plant which replaced this former station. For information & registration call (716) 282-5154.

October 22
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Niagara Gorge Hiking Series-Rim Trail
Whirlpool State Park

Grab your walking shoes as we take a stroll along the gorge via the rim trail. Along the way we will learn about the natural and local history and be treated with spectacular views of the Lower Niagara River.  For information & registration call (716) 282-5154.  

Saturday, October 29
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m.,
1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Niagara Gorge Hiking Series-Scenic Overlooks
Niagara Falls State Park

Get a taste of hiking the Niagara Gorge with a park naturalist by hiking the four scenic overlook areas of the Niagara Gorge. Along the way we will stop and learn about the vital role this area played during the industrial era as well as other amazing facts about the local and natural history. For information & registration call (716) 282-5154.

Saturday, November 5
10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Gorge at Low Water
Whirlpool State Park

 Enjoy the Niagara Gorge after the volume of water in the Niagara River is reduced by 25%. Join park naturalists for a guided hike that will take you past the Whirlpool to the site of the Great Gorge Route station and beyond.  For information & registration call (716) 282-5154.

Friday, November 11
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Full Moon AdventureA
DeVeaux Woods State Park

Join us for an indoor presentation on nocturnal creatures, the phases of the moon, constellations and more. We’ll trek through an old growth woods to an open field for some great stargazing opportunities. Learn some interesting and spooky stories along the way. For information & registration call (716) 282-5154.

Saturday, November 12
10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Gorge at Low Water
Whirlpool State Park

Enjoy the Niagara Gorge after the volume of water in the Niagara River is reduced by 25%. Join park naturalists for a guided hike that will take you past the Whirlpool to the site of the Great Gorge Route station and beyond.  For information & registration call (716) 282-5154.

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