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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Niagara Falls State Park - Devil's Hole Area

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Trail Update

As of October 24, 2023, a portion of Trail 6/Devil’s Hole Trail between the Devil’s Hole Stairs and Whirlpool Stairs is closed.


Whirlpool and Devil's Hole State Park Trail 5 Closure

Due to fallen rocks and unstable conditions, Trail 5 (lower Whirlpool Rapids Trail) south of the Flats is currently closed.


Trail Update

The lower level of Trail 5 (Whirlpool Rapids Trail) at the Flats will be closed for trail maintenance between 8 am and 4 pm Monday -Thursdays until August 24.

Address
c/o DeVeaux Woods State Park
5100 Niagara Scenic Parkway
Niagara Falls, NY 14305
  Niagara Region
Latitude 43.133179
Longitude -79.046173
  Directions

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Pet Policy

A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Discover Niagara Shuttle

Park your car here for free and ride the free Discover Niagara Shuttle to the other locations in Niagara Falls State Park! You could also rent a Reddy Bike and enjoy the ride on two wheels!

The Devil's Hole Area overlooks the Devil's Hole Rapids. It has picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails and is one of the more popular spots for fishing. A stone staircase leads down to the base of the gorge and the Devil's Hole Trail, which offers spectacular views of the rapids and gorge rock layers. This location is also a Gateway of the Niagara Shoreline Trail connecting to the Empire State Trail. It is also adjacent to the Castellani Art Museum and the NY Power Authority Power Vista.


Why is it called Devil's Hole?

Devil's Hole is a semi-circular notch formed by an ancient waterfall draining a section of Glacial Lake Tonawanda. This waterfall formed as the main Falls eroded back past this point in the gorge. Lake Tonawanda eventually dried up along with its waterfall.

In the early 1700,s, the raging waters so terrified the locals that it was supposed that the devil lived there. The name stuck.

Legend and Lore of Devil's Hole

Devil's Hole Massacre: On September 14, 1763, a British supply train of wagons was passing by Devil's Hole when a band of Senecas ambushed the party, killing all but a few who escaped (2 or 3). The commotion was heard by soldiers stationed near the head of the Portage in Lewiston and reinforcements were sent marching up the road in formation. These troops were also attacked and basically wiped out.

The reason for this attack was because at one time, the French controlled the area, and paid the Senecas to carry their goods from the lower end of the Portage where Artpark is today, to an area above Niagara Falls. When the British took control of the area in 1759, they didn't use the Senecas, but instead used their own wagon trains to haul goods on the Portage. Ever since that day of the massacre the small stream ran red with blood and became known as ‘Bloody Run Creek.'

Curse of the Devil's Hole: The Senecas regarded the cave as ‘the abode of the Evil Spirit.' Also, poisonous snakes hibernated in the cave, and the Senecas believed that these snakes were evil because they came from the earth and not the sky. There are legends of Senecas losing their lives in conjunction with the cave long before the Devil's Hole Massacre. In fact, the explorer LaSalle was warned by the Senecas not to go in the cave for fear of disturbing the demons. He disregarded the warnings and thereafter, his explorations were plagued with misfortunes, and his own men killed him in 1687.

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Mailing Address
c/o DeVeaux Woods State Park
5100 Niagara Scenic Parkway Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Hours of Operation

  • Open year round.

    As part of Niagara Falls State Park, it is free to enter and park.
  • Restroom Facilities are available mid-April through late October.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • General Park Usage/Vehicle Entry
  • There is no fee to park here.
Sun 16 Aug
Eco-Printing with Leaves!
Sunday, August 16, 2026 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Niagara Falls State Park - Devil's Hole Area
Join an educator for a demonstration on how to eco-print, a dyeing technique that transfers colors from nature to paper or fabric! Then learn how to use leaves to ID trees while waiting for the dyeing process to finish. Registration required on Eventbrite.com.
Registration: Required

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Biking * * Niagara Gorge Rim and Shoreline trails only
  • Fishing
  • Grills
  • Hiking
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing

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