Devil’s Hole State Park

Devil’s Hole State Park is in it’s own category as far as physical thrill and adventure.
It’s unlike a traditional hike in that the most challenging part is climbing stairs and getting around some tough rocks, but the loveliness of the Gorge and your surroundings is what makes this place so spectacular.
The hike is mild, but you walk alongside the Gorge which is beautiful. I feel a great sense of calm when I’m here… among the trees, listening to the water gush past you. There’s nothing quite like it.
The end result, flat rocks which overlook the rushing water, is a great place to zen and take a break from life. The water is soothing, and it’s a great place to lay down and let it all go. Also, not a bad place to take a picnic with you, as Alex suggested.
If you’re from the area, get yourself over here. If you’re a tourist and you want to add a little physicality to your trip, you might want to check this park out.

Two words… Never. Again. This was brutal! There are so many stairs you lose count after a while! And the «rock climbing» part of the «trail» is really scary! I was afraid of breaking or twisting a leg or wrist. So I would recommend when the «sign» (I put it in quotations since it’s just orange spray paint with either arrows or dots) the loop… Take the higher way… It’s easier and to me… Safer. Also, I’m super mad that there were no signs to let you know after you complete a 4 mile (one way) trail there’s no outlet on the other end. Instead at the end of the trail it says «must return the way you came» … I wasn’t prepared for that. I love nature and hiking but there should be an «easy» trail as well. I did get a good form of entertainment from the jet boats going around the whirlpool. It did make me wanna try that at some point. I don’t regret my trip to the park (s) I regret not knowing or looking into the extremity of the trails!

This trail is incredibly beautiful and I feel so lucky to have this place so close to home. We only walked 35 mins into the trail because my husband was carrying my son in a baby carrier and I’m a fat prego. There were lots of people on the trail. I could see this trail being a little slippery/​dangerous if the ground is wet.

I am so glad that Devil’s Hole has remained untouched. The cement stairs are ancient, uneven and kind of treacherous but they are a big part of the experience. This hike is a great workout. The scenery is incredible, with one-​of-​a-​kind views with a foreign country across the water. If you’re bringing small children be aware that there are no railings and the drop off is steep in places. You just have to be careful. I’ve been hiking there with my son since he was 4 years old. Devil’s Hole is a must-​do destination every time I get visitors from out of state. It’s the best way to experience the powerful feel of the rapids, that is if you walk the entire way to the whirlpool. I only have one negative thing to say about it. The noise from the jet boats detract from the serene natural water sounds. Hearing the jet boat crew making announcements and the loud roar of the engines takes away from the «getting in touch with nature» aspect of the hike. All-​in-​all it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.

Looking for a great workout or a tranquil walk near the Niagara Gorge? Well Devil’s Hole State Park is your answer! This state park overlooks the Devil’s Hole Rapids complete with picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and a variety of hiking trails. I would highly recommend staying on the marked trails as the rapids flow very quickly and it is dangerous.
I decided to hike down to the gorge on one of our 90 degree days this past summer. Boy oh boy am I glad I brought water with me. While you decide the speed in which you want to walk, the stairs are no joke! There is a stone staircase that leads down to the base of the gorge which is part of the trail. Along the way are spectacular views of the rapids and various rock layers. Once you get down to the bottom of the gorge there are cut outs where you can walk out a bit further and really feel the rush of the rapids gush past. It’s quite cool. Bring your camera!
Definitely check this place out. We’re lucky to have it in our own backyard!!! Pets are welcome, just be sure they’re on a leash — and bring water! It’s GORGE-​ous :)

This is a great state park to do some light hiking along the Niagara River a few miles north of Niagara Falls. Just be prepared because a decent portion of the hike involves going up and down some very uneven steps in order to descend down into the gorge and then get back up but really its not bad as long as you don’t have a problem with stairs. The park also includes scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and fishing (with a valid license). There are several paths you can choose to hike depending on what you want to see and the difficulty you are willing to undertake. The Devil’s Hole path is a good one that is moderate in difficulty and takes you along the river down in the gorge offering up close views of the Niagara River rapids a few miles downstream of Niagara Falls. The only trail that could actually be considered tough is the one path that is ranked as difficult called the Whirlpool Rapids Trail and is rated so because it includes boulder hopping which is fun to do but difficult in some spots. This state park has a free parking lot along the Robert Moses Parkway.

Well with us having some unusually warm days here in November I thought I would take advantage and get outside for a bit. Decided a nice hike would be just what was in order. I remember reading about Devil’s Hole on Unilocal here and was surprised I had never heard of or been to it in my over 30 years of living here, so I made a mental note to check it out then.
I took my two boys with me whom are 5 and 7. Was a bit worried it might be too much for them but we ended up doing the whole 2.5 mile loop and they loved it. My 5 year old only started asking me to carry him in the last couple minutes but then we rounded the bend and could see the cars again.
Definitely one of the more scenic places I have been to for a hike, the rapid themselves where great to view while walking along the edge, plus the geological formations on each side provide a backdrop unlike any other. Well worth the visit and nice to have in Buffalo’s backyard.

Devils hole trail is about 2.5 miles round trip with the most strenuous part being the trip up the second flight of stairs. The trail requires some extra careful attention in some areas where it becomes narrow along a steep slope. Many beautiful views of the river and the sound of the rapids is soothing. It’s a great place to get some exercise.

Holy Stairs! I do love this hike! The beginning is tough, the saris are very rough and long. The beginning of the hike is quite easy after the stairs. The closer you get to the end it does get pretty difficult, but its what makes it fun! You get great views of the rapids and whirlpools. If you have leg issues, this is not for you. Towards the end you will have to climb up and down some pretty rough rocks, but the end of the trail is really nice. You can get so close to the water you can actually touch it (just be carful). I would recommend this to anybody who’s up for a challenge and enjoys hiking!

Great destination to spend an afternoon. This section of the trail is very scenic but the trails can be challenging so I would recommend wearing hiking sneakers as water often leaks downwards onto the rocks and creates slippery conditions. The trails can be narrow so it’s important to pay attention to where you’re walking because you do not want to slip and fall anywhere near that water! The signage is a little confusing. We used our map to locate staircases and pathways but at one point it seemed we reached a dead end and had to ask to find our way back. You aren’t supposed to go down by the water as the current is extremely powerful, however we made our way downwards, proceeded with caution of course and grabbed a spot on a rock to enjoy the view. The color of the water is stunning, definitely bring your camera! There are benches near the staircases to stop and have lunch. Make sure you bring a water bottle because I didn’t and that was a huge mistake. Just remember as far as you go forward, you must walk back too, it’s quite the workout!

There is nothing like visiting the actual Falls but there is also nothing like hiking at the base of the gorge, either. Trade the thousands of visitors at the Falls for a quiet and pleasant walk next to the dangerously rushing waters of the lower Niagara River.
The most difficult part of the hike is the stone stairway that is in such a state of disrepair that you really have to be careful. I’ve done this hike in snow season that makes these stairs the ultimate invisible challenge. (If you want better stairs, use those at the Whirlpool section of the park a few miles away.)
Honestly, if you don’t hike along this lower river trail then you really haven’t experienced the Falls.

The views along the hiking trail in Devil’s Hole are spectacular. The river and the rock formations are beautiful, and the rapids are really cool. It’s one of the gems of the Niagara area that hasn’t been commercialized at all. It’s a nice escape into nature. If you’re in the area, it’s worth taking the time to check it out.
The hike is fairly easy as hikes go… But, it’s a hike, not a leisurely walking trail. I stumbled upon it without really planning to visit, and as a moderately fit man in my mid-​twenties who was wearing sneakers (albeit not the «right» ones), it was fun and it was exercise but not excessively taxing. There are a number of stretches, though, where you have to pay attention to keep your footing, and going down and then up hundreds of steps is pretty difficult for a lot of people. Also, be advised that some segments of the «steps» have deteriorated, such that you’re really climbing up or down a pile of rocks.
So, don’t be too intimidated by it, but wear good shoes for rocky/​slanted terrain, bring water (and maybe a snack) and set aside enough time so that you can take a leisurely pace and take breaks on the way up the steps if you need them.

«Devil’s Hole» is actually what I call a certain private spot on my girlfriend. If you knew how completely and utterly evil she was, and how she makes a living, you’d completely understand that sentiment. However, I like my girls evil, so she’s perfect for me.
I’ve been to Devil’s Hole on many occasions and I often bring guests and visitors from out of town here because it’s one of the beautiful undiscovered gems of the region.
The Gorge is one of the most spectacular and underrated places in WNY. It’s absolutely breathtaking, like our own mini Grand Canyon with beautiful crystal blue waters rushing and gushing at the bottom like an excited college student. If you haven’t been here, you should «rapidly» fix that and get down here. I’m going to count 374 steps next time I go, and if it’s more, or less, then Amber’s boyfriend will have plenty to answer for.
Now if you’ve never been to Devil’s Hole, then much like Whirlpool Park nearby, you must come and see it for yourself. It’s amazing for the views, for hiking, for the sheer drama and inspiration and awe-​inducing panoramas and scenery. Make sure you take a camera and don’t come around here if you’re afraid of rushing water, or don’t like steep inclines and steps.
If you are in WNY and you’ve never been here, you’re missing out. Come and check it out.

The views and scenery were stunning! However we were doing a day trip from Niagara Falls on the Canada side. We happened to fall upon this going back to our hotel from being on the U.S. side exploring. We were not prepared for the level of hiking or effort needed to do these trails. The signs were also deceiving on how long each trail, etc are. We ended up doing roughly 4 miles in every day clothes (I wore dress capri’s, a nice top, and thankfully threw on some tennis shoes)! No water, no major hiking experience, nothing. I prob would have enjoyed it more if I was prepared for the trails and how long they were.

Beautiful! Pictures galore!
Skill level:
The hike down the stairs is easy to moderate.
The hike up the stairs is moderate to hard.
Basically, if you are a novice and/​or out of shape the hike up the stairs is going to suck big time!
Take mini breaks up the stairs! Take some more pictures and selfies!
Wear good hiking/​walking shoes and watch out for loose steps (not many) and slanted steps (many).
Carry lightly… Bring a small bag/​book bag that can carry water bottle (s) maybe a light picnic… just keep your hands free!
Enjoy the views and wild life! But look down to where you are walking/hiking…you don’t want to fall! Blood, scratches, and bruises isn’t a good look unless you are little crazy.
Lover man and I hike down closer to the water. If you choice to do this, please make sure you are able to climb back up! LOL. Watch out for the all the rocks! They aren’t very stable and some are very slippery! If you are physically out of shape… Again it will be fairly easy going down but going back up is not easy! Life is short yo! Keep living… lol
The water is so clear and cold! I loved it!
There were a lot of people fishing.
Oh, we saw a few whirl pool jet boats going by… Fun!

Really fun hike! Here are my tips:
— The road is clearly marked with signs on where to park.
— there are lots of picnic tables as well as a couple BBQ pits at the parking lot. also picnic tables below during the hike
— there are a lot of steps. we went at a very slow pace with an active group and it was very easy and took us 35 minutes 1 way to get down.
— really beautiful and nicely kept trail

I remember coming here as a kid since I grew up on Grand Island. I decided to take the boyfriend here on a hot summer day for an outdoor hike. It was just as awesome as I remember it being! Hiking down the gorge, you get to see some of the best views in the area. We watched (in envy!) as the Whirlpool Jet Boats crashed through the rapids, soaking its patrons.
This is definitely not a hike for the faint of heart, though, due to the large number of stairs. It was also very hot when we were there, but it was still fun. This is definitely one of my favorite places to hike in WNY!

Devil’s Hole (the gorge) makes for a wonderful hike along the bottom of Niagara Falls. The park itself, where the parking lot is located, is a medium sized area with bathrooms and beautiful views.
The highlight is the hike down into the gorge. There are 374 steps (my boyfriend counted on the way back up) to get down and up, which is probably the most difficult part of the hike. Once you’re down there, it’s mostly flat for probably a half mile and then it gets a little more hilly and rocky.
It took us about an hour to walk two miles, at which point we got to a nice flat area where you can walk right up to the river and check out the whirlpools.
The whirlpool jet boats come by about every 20 minutes or so and it’s always fun to watch them. There’s also a ton of people fishing down there. From what I hear, it’s one of the more popular fishing spots and I can imagine why.
This is really a hike that you can make as easy or as difficult as you want. Whatever you choose, you will always be rewarded with the spectacular views.

A beautiful hike with splendid views and only a half hour drive away from Buffalo. You start out at the top with beautiful bird-​eye views of the gorge and the Niagara River and as you trek along, you can go down and be quite close to the powerful flowing river itself. I take visitors to our area on this hike and it gives them a lovely overview of the beauty in our area. You may even see water snakes and other critters along the trail (and near the water) as I have. I squirm a little when I see snakes, but they are not poisonous and there’s nothing to be afraid of. Don’t be scared ;).
Overall difficulty of hike: 1 – 3 (out of 5); you can easily make this a half hour walk with beautiful views without getting sweaty.
Beauty: ⁴⁄₅ — comparable to some of the best mountains and canyons in the country. It’s worthwhile to see, especially on a nice day.
Bring some food and have a picnic too. Day-​scape!

Disclaimer: I am an amateur hiker. I love to do it when I get the chance, but I definitely don’t have super dooper hiking boots, a regiment, or a huge wealth of technical vocabulary about the subject.
Now that that’s out of the way, to the review. Devil’s Hole — or the Gorge as my friends say — is wonderful. It is a great hike, with a lot of different difficulties to it (different paths to take, labeled with colors). All have great views of the river and, in fact, get you quite close to the whirlpool.
BTW — Have you been to the whirlpool yet? DO it! It’s amazing. Did you know Aristotle thought there was a whirlpool where dead things came in and could be brought back to life? Yeah, he saw a bird dive into one — and bam, it was ‘alive’ again.
I digress. Devil’s hole is for all kinds of hikers — and it’s great exercise. As you work, the river always provides a wonderful breeze to cool you off. And the trees are shady and nice too.
There are some excellent picnic locations — huge rocks to just sit and see water splashing all around you. Very romantic — if you’re into that — but also very fun to take a few sandwiches and enjoy a day in the Falls without being a tourist.