This is one of the most beautiful natural places in all of Niagara, and it's FREE!
Hubby and I both took a day off in the middle of May last year. It was very warm and sunny. Being a weekday I was surprised how many people we crossed along the way. We started at the “Wooden Stairs” entrance and walked/hiked/rock climbed for three hours with Dawg to the metal stairs. (Yes, three hours, with a few rest breaks, for the love of all things good, bring LOTS of water, and a bowl for your dog if you decide to bring them) When you climb down the old wooden stairs it’s quite remarkable. These stunning old trees towering above you creating a perfect canopy of shade, I always like when you feel like you are in a magical setting and the Gorge truly feels magical. (Bring insect repellent!!!)
At the bottom of the wooden stairs it leads you to a clearing and that leads you to the beach of the Gorge. It is stunning.
I wouldn’t recommend swimming here as it is extremely dangerous with the River current and under tow. And for the squeamish, this is where they often find dead bodies. With that being said, it truly is stunning. We ended up having a snack on the rocky ledge to the left of the inlet.
It was very hot! (Bring sunscreen and a hat!) Across the water you can see the American side and the nice Americans doing the same thing as us on their side. We all waved to one another. Then we continued on the hike. The first hour and a half was beautiful. Then we started to get worried we were getting lost. There are large rocks that interrupt the path so by the time you get across the rocks you get leery if you are following the correct path. We are not in the greatest of shape, we thought a three hour hike would be a piece of cake but it was defiantly a work out. Bring lots of water!
Dawg loved this walk. She powered through three hours like a champ. While we were sitting trying to catch our breath periodically she was standing around waiting for us to get going. (This could be a hard walk on your dog as well!)
Pack a picnic, and pack at least 4 to 5 bottles of water per person if you are going to do the whole three hours. In we did the hike again, we would most likely turn back and head back the way we came and shorten the walk. Good but tiring times!
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