Whirlpool State Park image

Whirlpool State Park

Tourist attraction Park State park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Niagara Falls


Address

Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Website

parks.ny.gov

Contact

(716) 284-5778

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (4.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Niagara (27) whirlpool (26) park (25) river (16) trail (14) water (14) views (13) beautiful (13) time (12) Falls (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Debisree R. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a serene piece of land with greeneries. I loved the state park in our short visit. We were taken to this place as a part of the conducted tour to Niagara. This park is not too big, however, very green. The highlight is the overview to the whirlpool. The river and the whirlpool looks blue- green from the top on a sunny day. There is a small hiking loop amidst the green. We had a walk and we absolutely enjoyed it, despite of the scorching sun. There is another hiking trail as well, which is much steeper I guess. We didn’t have the time for that. There was a truck selling shaved ice in front of the park, and it was yum. If you are in the Niagara city/ Buffalo area and if you have some time, don’t miss this spot. You can spend 20 minutes, or 3-5 hours here in the nature. There are picnic benches- so it can be a perfect spot for a family time. I highly recommend the spot, if you love to spend time in the outside.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marie Gail S. 1 year ago on Google
    For a chance to see some spectacular views of the Niagara River without the crowds and commercialism of Niagara Falls, this is the perfect spot. Bring a picnic lunch. Hike the trails or bike them. Enjoy the views.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mikey G. 6 months ago on Google • 712 reviews
    What a pleasure to unexpectedly find this beautiful park while visiting Niagra. Such a fascinating creation of Almighty God. The river turns 90° and the whirlpool is huge.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amina K. 8 months ago on Google • 65 reviews
    It’s so beautiful here. Best to go in the summer time. It was a last minute stop so we didn’t get to hike down however it looks really fun and challenging. You can have cute picnics here. There’s little chipmunks running around.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Moose “Galactic Reviewer” O. 5 months ago on Google • 274 reviews
    Hands down one of the most iconic places in Niagara Falls area. If you’re here you have to make it to the whirlpool area for a beautiful picturesque scenic view of the water. Some section were closed due to safety issues but the hike up and down is worth the time and energy spent on it. You can start from either side depending whether you want to hike up the stairs or down the stairs. Parking available and picnic area table also available too.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robin F. 5 months ago on Google • 310 reviews
    First time here and first time hiking on the US side. I much prefer this side as parking was plentiful, it wasn't overpriced (parking seems free) or full of touristy things. You can get right down to the river, and being a few meters at times to the border, means Canadian cell service still works. The playground by the parking was nice, my boys spent some time on it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather H. 1 year ago on Google
    This was an absolutely beautiful spot down the river from Niagara Falls. The hike down to the bottom sounded a little more intense than I was looking for, but the trail along the gorge rim was a very easy and pleasant walk. The view was excellent! It's definitely made it to my must-visit list for next time I'm in the area. Great view with none of the crowds that you find by the Falls. Restrooms were clean (no soap though), there was lots of neat information about the area displayed, and there's a fun big playground near the parking lot for kids
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cory S. 5 months ago on Google • 463 reviews
    Great and unique location to view the whirlpool and Aerocar. Beautiful vistas of the rapids and Canadian side, especially during the fall with leaf turning colours. Access to the water is about 300 m further north along the trail. Parking was free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bill W. 7 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    The views from the gravel pathway were incredible. The park wasn't crowded and definitely not a commercialized tourist trap but an actual park with playground and paths to walk and enjoy the view from way above the water below. There's rock stairs without rails available for the adventurous but it's certainly more for avid hikers.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon S. 11 months ago on Google
    Hiked down into the gorge. Lots of steps but hey what did I expect? A great hike overall but I wouldn’t recommend for small kids. Edit: I just thought I should note that if you don’t want to go down into the gorge there are other more kid friendly hikes available here as well as a nice playground.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Find the stairs down to the water to be amazed. Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls, NY offers visitors a chance to experience the awe-inspiring power of nature up close. The park is located on the Niagara River and is home to the famous Whirlpool Rapids. Visitors can take a scenic walk along the park's trails to get a breathtaking view of the rapids, and the whirlpool. The park also has a picnic area, which is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the natural surroundings. The park also offers a playground for children and a restroom facility. Overall, Whirlpool State Park is a great option for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Niagara Falls. The park offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of the river and the whirlpool, and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pratik K. 8 months ago on Google
    Nice place to visit in evening during sunset. Ample free car parking. They have small play area for children. Whirlpool State Park is a beautiful natural attraction located in New York state, specifically near Niagara Falls. It offers stunning views of the Niagara River and the impressive Niagara Whirlpool, a powerful whirlpool created by the river's currents. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the gorge, picnicking, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery. It's a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature and witness the awe-inspiring power of the Niagara River.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennilyn B. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a must see while visiting Niagra Falls, New York! It is breath takingly beautiful. Two trails to follow. The trail to the left leads to views of the whirlpool. The trail to the right leads to stairs that go down into the gorge. Currently closed right now due to construction.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 District Y. 1 month ago on Google • 83 reviews New
    Next to the falls, this will probably be the most beautiful water you will see at Niagara in my opinion. This was a stop on our tour, which, we didn't actually go down but they let you know it's located here sooo I decided to venutre here the next day on my own. It's a bit of a hike and when I say hike! You are climbing over rocks and some there are some steep parts lol. While the trail is laid out it is easy to get lost as I myself and some others got lost trying to find it. But once you do! My God! It is beautiful. Pictures and videos below
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan F. 1 year ago on Google
    A little hidden gem outside of the crazy tourist areas. A nice park with walking paths, pavilion, and playground. Great for taking food and enjoying a meal and looking out at the near whirlpool created by the water. A large parking lot so easy to get in and out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Андрей �. 1 year ago on Google
    Good park. Are there few trails. Possible to go down and walk along the river. The path is good, are there stairs. Stream is fast. The river is in a canyon. Amazing views. This park is on the distance from Niagara Falls and here not many tourists.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 james h. 1 year ago on Google
    One morning on vacation, I stumbled across a state park on Google Maps, so our family wore mountaineering gear, drove from the hotel, and drove for about 20 minutes to the destination, but unexpectedly discovered the unparalleled beauty. The valleys and rivers are as beautiful as landscape paintings. After passing the path, you can enjoy the ecological beauty of the rivers and mountains. I hope everyone can enjoy the natural ecological beauty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jacob K. 8 months ago on Google
    Little park with a nice flat trail next to the gorge. We saw people near water, that must be a pretty intense trek down and up, nothing I was interested in doing during this vacation. Speaking of the water, it looked pretty rough lol
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richie P. 9 months ago on Google
    Quick easy stop along the Niagara trail. If you're riding along why wouldn't you stop? You only need around 5-10 mins to take it all in and the parking lot is right next to the landing. You can watch the whirlpool hopefully on an active day and if the Aerocar is running you'll witness that running back and forth above the whirlpool. Also occasionally there's a boat that rides customers into the whirlpool down below to enjoy. Again it's right near the trail and worth stopping to see.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Richard G. 2 years ago on Google
    We were running a little early for dinner so as we were driving along the scenic parkway we saw the Whirlpool Park and decided to pull in. This is a stretch of Niagara river after the falls which has two massive whirlpools. The signs tell you the history, which is that a drought 7,000 years ago cut a deep narrow channel into the river bed which under normal water flow creates the whirlpool. There is a hiking path you can go on that brings you down to the water which looks really cool but we didn't have time on this trip. That is something to do when we come back! In the meantime the massive vortexes are mesmerizing to watch (great meditation).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Milind S. 5 months ago on Google • 146 reviews
    Great place to view fall colors around niagara River. You can walk down to the river from here. Must go place if you are at niagara for 2 full days.

  • 4/5 J. R. 5 months ago on Google • 102 reviews
    Beautiful views! My only complaint is not very good signage on where to see the whirlpool..no signs around the parking lot at all. We walked around until we found people to ask.

  • 5/5 Eu Ken N. 4 months ago on Google • 99 reviews
    Whirlpool state park is not as populated with tourists as other more popular attractions at Niagara. And because it has a smaller crowd, you could catch amazing views of the whirlpool rapids and the spectacular views surrounding it. As its name suggests, whirlpool state park is a park with various facilities such as playgrounds, restrooms and some simple hiking trails. There is also a small fishing spot located downstream near the park area.

  • 5/5 Hank B. 2 months ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    Great trails for walking. Be aware that the whirlpool trail is 367 steps down to the river and an additional 47 steps up to the parkway. There are picnic tables near the bottom.

  • 5/5 R S. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful park. Not an easy hike out. When it's hot, bring lots of water. You will need it.

  • 5/5 Fabiola T. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing park. The pics below are the top view, you have a option to take a hiking trip to go to the bottom. Free parking

  • 4/5 Alex K. 10 months ago on Google
    Nice place to stop when you are driving along Niagara Parkway on USA side. Beautiful view along Niagara river. There is also a trail if you want to go for walk or bike ride.

  • 5/5 Murad Z. 7 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls, Canada, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and thrilling experiences. The majestic Niagara River transforms into a mesmerizing whirlpool, providing a stunning backdrop for activities like the Whirlpool Aero Car, offering panoramic views. Hiking trails through lush landscapes and guided Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours provide adventure seekers with unforgettable moments. The park's serene picnic spots and commitment to education enhance its allure, making it a must-visit destination that combines nature's power with exploration and relaxation.

  • 5/5 Amanda M. 9 months ago on Google
    We didn't go down to the water, but the rim trail was a nice walk and the scenery was great! It also has a really nice, new playground. Right now there are porta potties.

  • 5/5 Ashley M. 8 months ago on Google
    A fantastic (at times technical) hike - offering rainforest-like canopies, rocky trails alongside the river, and a truly worthwhile trek to the whirlpool lookout. Just make sure you've got the proper hiking shoes on to give you adequate support/protection from the rocky terrain along the whirlpool trail.

  • 4/5 Monica B. 1 year ago on Google
    Whirlpool State Park offers a beautiful scenic view of the Whirlpool Rapids in the Lower Niagara River. It is even more beautiful this time of year (autumn) with the changing of the leaves. Park is currently under construction (fall 2022), so the building and bathrooms are closed, but port-a-potties are on site for use. Park includes some walking/hiking trails along the Niagara Gorge. There is also a newer playground area and outdoor pavilions for use. *warning* although there are protective barriers along the gorge's edge, please be extra mindful of children in this area.

  • 5/5 D H. 1 year ago on Google
    You definitely need to see this for the views. You see the narrow canyon, and a slow whirlpool as the water rushes by. Go there on the way to the Falls. The very old cable car above the whirlpool is entirely on the Canadian side - looks like fun.

  • 5/5 Sam B. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little park, nestled just north of Niagara Falls. Even though it's small, you don't want to miss out on the views of the whirlpool, where the Niagara river takes a 90 degree turn and creates a "whirlpool" that probably spans close to 500 yards in circumference. When I was there with my family on July 6, the stairs down to the river were closed. We had to hike over from Devil's Hole State Park to catch the views from the bottom.

  • 5/5 Atul S. 1 year ago on Google
    A very beautiful state park, a nice drive, very calm and beautiful trail. Ample parking, restroom available. No snack shop, enough benches for a nice family outing. Natural beauty, we spent an hour here before it started raining amid the temperature was 81°F at 7pm. Gorgeous whirlpool gorges can be seen here.

  • 5/5 Helena B. 2 years ago on Google
    I love hiking through here, unfortunately the stairs leading down into the gorge were closed off for repairs. Nonetheless I still got a good hike in and was able to feed my favorite little squirrels 🐿 they are very talkative and friendly.

  • 5/5 Rashmi G. 2 years ago on Google
    One can entry tickets online to visit this park, park gives with scenic look of Niagara river. The water flows and make natural whirls and then flow in other direction. Park has enough space to spend sometime with family and friends,kids can enjoy and play around.

  • 5/5 Fishlovme P. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow what a view! The hiking trails were really nice too. I'd highly recommend this place to stop and take some hikes on the trails here.


Call (716) 284-5778 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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