Niagara Reservation State Park

Niagara Reservation State Park is based around the world-famous Niagara Falls, a massive series of waterfalls straddling the U.S.-Canada border. The opportunities here for fun are extensive, including boat tours, museums, cave explorations, and hiking among the many different recreational options. 

The Niagara Discovery Center was built here in 2004 and is an excellent introduction to the falls and their extensive cultural history. The Cave of the Winds is an awe-inspiring tour of the cave systems behind the U.S. side of the falls. You descend over 170 feet underground before putting on a poncho and climbing out onto the slippery rocks. 

Wooden walkways lead you around rock formations and several plaques outlining the history of the park, and the purpose of specific structures. Guests looking to experience this attraction cannot buy tickets in advance, so make sure to show up early if you're trying to get a ticket for the day. For guests looking to hike, Niagara Reservation State Park has some of the best trails in the state. 

Over 11 miles of lush, misty trails wind through the foothills surrounding this area, granting visitors multiple opportunities to snap a photo of the falls. The Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center is the entrance to most of these paths, so make sure to stop here before setting off. You can find up to date travel advisories, weather updates, and free maps outlining just where you'll be heading that day. 

Dogs are generally not allowed into any of the indoor regions of the park, nor are they capable of entering most of the underground and water tours. They are more than welcome to accompany guests exploring the few trails that wind further up the hillside as long as they stay on a leash throughout they visit. Guests are reminded to bring all the necessary items to clean up any messes their pets might make.