American Falls Loop, NY

Warning
The Whirlpool Rapids are rated 6 on a navigatable scale from 1 (easiest) to 6 (most dangerous). Whirlpool Rapids at White Water Walk are traveling at about 48km/hr or 30mph, creating the Whirlpool Rapids - "Class 6 white-water rapids". The Whirlpool Rapids consists of 4 kilometers of 3-5 meter standing waves, making this stretch of whitewater the largest/finest series of standing waves in North America.


Overview
This scenic loop goes along the Niagara river gorge (lower and upper level), Goat Island, and stops at various popular viewpoints of Niagara Falls, one of the seven wonders of North America (as of 2014). Apparently, this list of seven wonders can change every few years.On this scenic and exciting loop, you will use all of the following trails: American Falls Gorge Trail (#3), Great Gorge Railway Trail (#4), Whirlpool Rapids Trail (#5), Niagara Gorge Rim Trail (#2), and some unmarked routes on Goat Island and downtown Niagara Falls.

Hike
From the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center parking lot, walk West to the Schoellkopf Power Station and enter the building. As of Sept 2022, this building is open from 7:30 am to 5 pm daily. Take the elevation to the bottom (LG = lower gorge). Walk out and to the right and you will see a sign marking the start of the American Falls Gorge Trail (#3). This trail has some ups and downs, some lookout areas along the river, and some old historical items along the way.

After hiking a total of about 1 mile, you will merge into the Great Gorge Railway Trail (#4) which will slope down heading toward the Whirlpool bridge. After hiking roughly 1.5 miles you will see a staircase going to the top of the gorge. Pass the staircase and continue on the Whirlpool Rapids Trail (#5). To cut off about 1/2 from this hike, head up the trail to the top level. If you take the Whirlpool Rapids trail it will continue under the Whirlpool Bridge. There are some great photo opportunities in this area. This area has some of the strongest currents in the river below the falls.

Next, continue to the staircase and up to the top level. It is roughly 0.15 miles from the bottom of the gorge to the top of the gorge. Once at the top, turn right and follow the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail (#2). At a few different areas, the path will have branches going into shaded areas. Take these branches to complete the longer loop. Bypass these branches for a shorter loop. After walking for roughly 3.5 miles, you will reach the parking lot at the Discovery Center. End here for a shorter loop. Continue walking South for a tour of Niagara Falls, Prospect Point, Goat Island, Luna Island, Terrapin point, etc. The posted official route is a great tour but there are many other possible routes.

2022-09-16 Mike_W