This New York Trail Has Caves, Rapids, and Stairs That Will Destroy Your Legs in the Best Way

Travelers often go for big-ticket items when visiting new places: the towering waterfall, the impressive monument, the famous restaurant, the view repeated over and over again on social media. This isn’t a bad thing, as these places are popular for a reason. But it does mean that there are sometimes places nearby that are just as impressive, though they fall to the wayside. This is the case for the famous Niagara Falls in New York, and the neighboring less-famous Devil’s Hole and Niagara Gorge Trail Loop, and the surprise of multiple caves that travelers can find along the stunning hike.

Devil’s Hole State Park was created in the 20s and borders Niagara Falls State Park and Whirlpool State Park. It sits below the famous Niagara Falls and is more specifically located in the Niagara Gorge. The land is steep, rocky, and downright treacherous at times, but the water is no safer, with rapids and unstable footing near the banks. Although the sinisterly labeled "Devil’s Hole" was initially named for how dangerous the landscape is, history has taken the meaning a step further. 

The Battle for Devil’s Hole was a bloody fight between the Seneca Tribe and the British army that took place in 1763 in—you guessed it—the Devil’s Hole State Park. It is said that the battle was so brutal, the water in the stream coming out from the Devil’s Hole ran red, thus giving it the name "Bloody Run." And yet another foreboding name exists, in the form of one of the multiple caves along the trail: the Cave of the Evil Spirit. 

While the distinct look of the Devil’s Hole cave was caused by a waterfall that no longer exists, the Cave of the Evil Spirit was caused by water seeping into the limestone rock. When the water froze in the winter, it would expand and crack, causing fissures in the rock. In the case of the Cave of the Evil Spirit, the cave is four feet tall by 30 feet deep, with a disquieting nature that comes from the local legend that anyone who steps into the cave will have misfortune follow them for the rest of their lives. 

The hike itself takes a bit over an hour to complete at 2.4 miles. Despite its dangerous nature, the hike is very popular with locals and college students. It’s marked by the forest, river, rapids, and steep ledges, of course, but is also most known (and dreaded) for its stairs. They are perhaps the best-maintained part of the trail, but they are very steep, and there are many of them, leading to a great workout on dry days but a terrifying encounter on rainy ones.

Another thing to keep in mind, other than your general safety, is that there are often closures on the trail and in the state park due to rockslides and flooding, or during winter when ice makes things just a bit too perilous. 

This hike can encompass many interests, be it history, nature, ghosts, workouts, or something for the thrill-seekers. It’s also a great find for those who like to uncover hidden gems, especially ones that are in such plain sight of a world-famous landmark. Sounds interesting? Discover this trail and its caves for yourself!