Whirlpool State Park

A scenic riverside park in the Niagara Gorge area, known for its whirlpool views, rapids, and gorge trails.

Mailing address: c/o DeVeaux Woods State Park, 15 Goat Island Loop Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 · Niagara Falls, NY

About Whirlpool State Park

Whirlpool State Park sits north of Niagara Falls and forms part of Niagara Falls State Park. Its location on a sharp bend of the Niagara River creates a large whirlpool and fast Class VI rapids that visitors can view from overlooks. Multiple trailheads lead into the gorge, with rim routes that are gentler and lower routes that are steep and rugged. Visitors can also find picnic pavilions, restrooms, and parking at no charge. The park is near the Underground Railroad Heritage Center and across the road from DeVeaux Woods State Park, which has a dog park and an inclusive playground. Swimming and entering the river are strictly prohibited because of dangerous currents.

#whirlpool
#niagara gorge
#niagara river
#rapids
#hiking

What's around here?

The closest stops to Whirlpool State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sports & Outdoors
De Veaux Woods State Park
No admission fee
A small Niagara County state park with old-growth woods, meadow trails, and a dog park, sitting beside Whirlpool State Park.
Steps awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Local Gem
White Water Walk
Under $25
An elevator into the gorge leads to a quarter-mile boardwalk beside the thundering Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the wildest whitewater in North America.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Iconic
Whirlpool Aero Car
Under $25
Cross the churning Niagara Whirlpool in a century-old cable car suspended high above the gorge.
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Stay
Family Favorite
Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls
$50+
Canada's giant family waterpark resort: a 100,000-sq-ft indoor waterpark kept at a balmy 84 degrees, plus MagiQuest, laser tag, and themed suites.
0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay
Sports & Outdoors
Local Gem
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
No admission fee
Free hiking through a Carolinian forest pocket deep in the Niagara Gorge, house-sized boulders, rare plants, and whirlpool views.
0.8 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Family Favorite
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Under $25
Stroll a lush tropical rainforest where 2,000 free-flying butterflies land on your shoulders.
1.4 mi awayMore like this