Hiking To This Aboveground Cave Near Buffalo Will Give You A Surreal Experience

When you think Niagara Falls, most people think powerful waterfalls and tourist traps as far as the eye can see. For those who choose to look a bit deeper, you'll discover Devil's Hole State Park. This gem of a park has great hiking, views of the Niagara Gorge, and an above-ground cave rich in history. Let's explore:

You can find the cave at Devil's Hole State Park in Niagara Falls.

While the name sounds ominous, the views from the limestone cave are beautiful!

Bring your hiking shoes and be prepared!

While the trail itself is only moderately difficult, the terrain at Devil's Hole is a bit rocky! Be sure to plan ahead, as it can get slippery during wet weather.

The trail to Devil's Hole cave is on the east side of the park.

You can find the entrance to Devil's Hole off the stairway on the east side of Devil's Hole Park.

What's in a name?

The "Battle of Devil's Hole" took place here - a massacre of British soldiers by Seneca Indians in 1763.

Nicknamed "Cave of the Evil Spirit," natives foretold disaster to anyone who entered.

After the battle was won by the Senecas, they kept the British away by warning them of future plight if they trespassed on the land.

To this day, superstition says that anyone who takes a rock from the cave will suffer from bad luck.

Although many have tested their luck, visitors to the cave are advised to leave the structure as-is.

What might that mean for people who have chosen to deface the cave with graffiti?

A handful of visitors decided that the cave could use some "artwork." And while taking rocks is frowned upon, removing garbage and debris from the cave is certainly acceptable! Remember: friends don't let friends deface nature.

All warnings aside, Devil's Hole cave is a beautiful sight to see.

The hike down to Devil's Hole is certainly worthy of a spot on your Niagara Falls itinerary. Between the surroundings of the Niagara Gorge, the great and sometimes challenging hike down to the cave, and the views from the cave itself, there is so much to enjoy at this spot!

Have you hiked down to the Devil's Hole cave? Do you have a rock to prove it? Share your stories with us!