Niagara Falls

So very different from the eastern part of the state is its rural western fringe with its important farming industry. There are many small towns in this area, interconnecting with one another on winding roads that force the traveler to slow down and enjoy the region. Most of the visitors coming here include a visit to Niagara Falls, where the Niagara River plunges into the boiling cauldron below (716-278-1796). The falls are located north of Buffalo off I-190. On this New York side of the falls, the land banding the pounding expanse of water is owned by the State Park. Look across the churning of water to Canada where, by dramatic contrast, high-rise hotels and casinos line the edge of the cliffs. Niagara Falls State Park offers a luxurious expanse of lawn and trails and a spectacular overlook of waterfalls, rapids and gorge: Niagara Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls (which stretches across to the Canadian border). There are three principal parking areas. P1 is near the visitor center on the tip of the Prospect Point peninsula. P2 and P3 are located across the small bridge on Goat Island. One can walk everywhere or take advantage of the scenic trolley. The Observation Tower and the departure point for the boats (Maids of the Mist) are located near the visitor Center/Festival Theater. Privately operated, the boats travel (May to October) to the edge of the thundering water (716-284-4233). Take the trolley or cross the pedestrian bridge to Goat Island and you can view the water surge over the brink from Terrapon Point or take the elevator down to the Cave of the Winds—where unbelievably, wearing protective raingear, you can actually walk under and in the spray of the falls.