waterfall in a state park near niagara falls new yorkIf you’ve ever been to Niagara Falls, you must have encountered hundreds of tourists soaking in the panoramic views, or watching the mighty falls, rapt in attention.

Apart from the iconic waterfall, there are other things to do in Niagara Falls for which you should plan a trip.

The fantastic state parks near Niagara Falls are quite the temptation.

These parks offer a variety of facilities for you to enjoy, including hiking, biking, kayaking, splash pads, football fields, and much more.

Map of State Parks Near Niagara Falls NY

Here is a map of the New York state parks covered in this post:

List of State Parks Near Niagara Falls

We have compiled a list of 5 state parks near the Niagara Falls for you to explore.

1. DeVeaux Woods State Park

Location: 3100 Lewiston Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

The perfect family picnic getaway, DeVeaux is known as one of the most peculiar New York State Parks in Niagara Falls. In 2001, the park became a state park, and since then, it has emerged to be one of the most popular tourist attractions.

DeVeaux Park has everything you need, including a playground, a nature trail through ten acres of forest, and a path that will take you across the Niagara Scenic Parkway directly to Whirlpool State Park. Spread over 6 acres, De Veaux is home to a historic forest that dates back as far as the first European settlement in western New York.

The park is open during daylight hours all year long, but restroom facilities are only available between mid-April and late October.

2. Devil’s Hole State Park

Location: Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Named after its treacherous terra, the massive Devil’s Hole state park is spread over 47 acres and overlooks the Devil’s Hole rapids. This park offers a peaceful respite to travelers after a trip to the thunderous Niagara Falls or the Niagara Gorge.

Devil’s Hole is considered to be the perfect swimming spot in a deep creek during the summer. This sparsely crowded swimming hole is 3 mile hike from Splinter’s Cabin Trailhead up the Pacific Crest Trail.

If you want to get closer to the rapids below, you can journey across the trail that descends into the Niagara River Gorge. However, off-trail hiking has been prohibited now due to the hazardous conditions here.

Even though there is no perfect time when you should visit the park, picnicking, hiking, and fishing are some of the popular activities during the summer. Visitors also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here in the winter.

3. Niagara Falls State Park

Location: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Niagara Falls State Park boasts awe-inspiring scenery throughout the year. An ideal family holiday destination, this state park is known for its interactive displays, miles of hiking trails, and scrumptious dinning options.

During the summer, you can take a thrilling stroll into the cave of the winds and experience the rushing torrents of Bridal Veil Falls for yourself, or you can cruise along the legendary Maid of the Mist.

With self-guided tours and professionally led excursions, all Niagara Falls State Park trails are flat and suitable for even beginners. Take a helicopter ride through this park for a better view of the Niagara Falls and marvel at the park’s greenery during fall.

The park is at its best during spring when you can enjoy bird watching and hiking.

4. Reservoir State Park

Location: Witmer Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Situated between the south shore of the Robert Moses Power Plant Reservoir and the city of Niagara Falls, this park has a lot of exciting sites to explore.

Aside from picnic tables and pavilions, the park also offers a playground and a nature trail for hiking and biking. This trail is connected to the campground Niagara Falls.

For those seeking a little more adventure, there are also cross country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and a model airplane flying field to check out. The facility also has three tennis courts, a hockey court, two basketball courts, and eight softball fields for those who prefer traditional sports.

If the weather is warm, you can fly a kite or have a picnic. In cold weather, the park is an ideal place to embark on a cross-country ski trip.

5. Whirlpool State Park

Location: Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Whirlpool State Park runs along the east bank of the Niagara River, where you can experience the full force of the river’s natural whirlpool and Class V rapids.

For adrenaline junkies, there is also the option to paddle through the rapids in a powerboat. However, the best way to have an unforgettable experience at Whirlpool State Park is to take a 45-minute powerboat tour.

With two levels to explore, you can start from the street level, where you can see numerous scenic spots which offer great views of the whirlpool.

You can enjoy a picnic here with your whole family and have fun on the playground. You can learn more about the geological history of this region at the George Natural History room from Wednesday to Sunday.

On the far side of the river, a hiking trail begins at the bottom of the stone stairway. Along the riverbank, the trail leads north and allows you to get close to the thundering waters of the 125-foot-deep (38-meter) whirlpool.

After passing the river rapids, the trail continues to Devil’s Hole State Park. Look for blue jays, downy woodpeckers, gray catbirds, and golden-crowned kinglets among the park’s birdlife. Salmon fishing is also another leisure activity in the park.

You can park your vehicle for free at the entrance of the park. However, if you are traveling by bus, you will be able to get to the park’s entrance within walking distance.

Most people only know Niagara for its waterfall, but the state parks near the region are a nature lover’s delight.

Plan a trip to explore the many shades of Niagara’s state parks today, we promise you, it would be a rather delightful experience.