Posted in Buffalo October 03, 2018 by

The Fall Hike Near Buffalo That Takes You Straight Through A Breathtaking Gorge

When it comes to living anywhere in Western New York, you’ll find that you grow up hearing about out-of-town friends and family tend to always bring up Niagara Falls in conversation. We wouldn’t dare try to argue against the fact that America’s oldest state park is stunning, but we know first-hand that many other attractions in our region get overlooked by the beautiful lights of the falls. Taking you just a little bit farther north, head 30 minutes from Buffalo and you can experience a memorable fall hike that brings you through an epic gorge.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Look just beyond the country's oldest state park and you'll discover Whirlpool State Park in Niagara County.
AIIdesignz Web and SEO/Google
The two-level state park features lots of shaded picnic areas at street level, with an abundance of overlooks situated along the Rim Trail up there as well.
Ian D/Google
But if you head down to the second level where you're right along the riverfront, you'll get an even more exciting view of our fall foliage and the scenery that's below.
denisbin/Flickr
After making your way down a beautiful winding staircase, you'll be face to face with the Whirlpool and raging blue and white colors of the Niagara River as its surrounded by our fall foliage.
Summah B/Google
The mile-long Whirlpool Trail leads you upstream, where the views of Western New York's scenery only get better.
margaret kraatz/Google
If you're looking to kill two birds with one stone, you can continue hiking to the Devil's Hole Trail and into Devil's Hole State Park where you can make your way back up another staircase and head back to your car via the Rim Trail.

Why hike through one state park, when you can hike through two?
Aum Maiteng/Google
So whether you choose to enjoy the street-level overlooks of the gorge or choose to hike right along the riverfront down below, you'll have amazing fall views when you come to Whirlpool State Park!
Larry Fobbs/Google
Another fun thing about exploring Whirlpool State Park is that you can find a ton of informational signs all throughout the state park that explains the area's history in even greater depth! To find out more information and to view the trail map for Whirlpool State Park, click here.

Whirlpool State Park is located at Niagara Scenic Pkwy., Niagara Falls, NY 14303 and luckily has no vehicle entrance fee. You can keep your wallet in your pocket for this adventure!

Wonder where else you should explore outdoors this month? Then read about The Awesome Hike That Takes You To Spectacular Fall Foliage In Buffalo!