Hiking Trails in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has an interconnected trail system that offers plenty of hiking trail combinations with different elevation levels. The trail can turn out to be a fulfilling hiking experience for beginners as well as experienced hikers. With its action-packed scenic overlook hikes and spectacular vistas of the Glen Trail, each nook and corner of this trail system is a feast for the eyes of nature lovers.

 

Here are the top hiking trails filled with scenic views that should top your to-visit-soon list!

Niagra Glen Trail

(Photo Credit: Sarah Wilson/ Facebook)

With an easy one-hour round-trip hike, the spectacular Niagra Glen Trail is a moderately challenging route for beginners. The route remains an easy pick for experienced hikers. Overlooking the waters of the Niagara River and the Whirlpool, this trail is a feast for the eyes with its scenic views of the bright aqua-colored Niagara River, surrounded by ancient rock formations and the mesmerizing sounds of the roaring Niagara River in the background.

What’s more? The trail has a well-managed parking area on Niagra Parkway with FREE parking and a FREE entrance to the Glen Hiking Trails! 

 

Whirlpool Rapids Trail

(Photo Credit: Jim Stembridge/ Facebook)

Taking an average of 43 minutes to complete, the majestic Whirlpool Rapids is a 2.1 km rocky, uneven trail with steep climbs. The trail would lead you from the slopes of the Niagara Gorge to a deep descends into the banks of the Niagara River. Here, the majestic view of Niagara Whirlpool turbulently swirling in the distance and surrounded by beautiful forest scenery will leave you awestruck.

A paid parking lot that charges $2.50/hour is available close to the trailhead to take care of your vehicle as you enjoy the natural wonders along the trail. You can also get a breathtaking top-down view of the rapids with the Whirlpool Aero Car, taking a 10-minute round trip for only 14 CAD. 

Niagara River Recreation Trail

(Photo Credit: RMReifel - A Reifel Shot/ Facebook)

The Niagara River Recreation Trail is a 24.9 km multi-use trail path for hiking, biking, trail-running, and other outdoor activities. Running along the Canadian side of the Niagra River, this moderately challenging trail is for non-motorized traffic that meanders through beautiful countryside views. The track abounds in historical sites, parks, play areas, restaurants, shops, and fruit stands, making the trip along this trail entertaining and educational. This is a must-visit trail if you’re accompanied by kids, differently-abled people, or pets. 

 

Bruce Trail: Niagra Section

(Photo Credit: The Beauty and the Decay/ Facebook)

With an average 17hr 36min completion time, the Bruce Trail is an excellent option for those looking for backpacking, camping, hunting, and hiking trails. Beginning at Queenston Heights Park, the 83km Niagra Section of the Bruce Trail meanders through beautiful woods with glimpses of monuments, caves, waterfalls, streams, rivers, small cute towns, and occasionally large cities, and ends at the Grimsby Museum. The trail is a perfect choice if you are planning a multi-day action-packed hike!

Woodend Conservation Area

(Photo Credit: Owen Bjorgan/ Facebook)

With an average completion time of only 45 min, the Woodend Conservation Area is an easy section of the Bruce Trail. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Woodend is a picturesque forest full of hardwood trees with sprinkles of Carolinian species. The trail’s shady route can be a perfect hiking venue on hot summer days.

As you descend the escarpment on this trail and continue along the cliff face, you should expect magnificent views of the Van Every family’s main house, gatehouse, and Warner’s Burying Grounds. So, if you’re looking for a hiking experience imbued with a sense of calm and serenity, this trail should be at the top of your list!

Dufferin Islands Trail

(Photo Credit: Winter Festival of Lights/ Facebook)

This trail can offer a unique experience if you’re planning your visit any time from November to January. With an average completion time of only 46 minutes, the Dufferin Islands Trail is a 1.8-kilometer trail that provides a unique experience with its Winter Festival of Lights.

The Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival, with a spectacular view of 3 million lights along the Niagara Parkway. The festival runs from 5:00 pm to midnight from November to January each year. The Festival of Lights celebrates Canadian wildlife with a variety of animated lighting displays of animals and trees.

 

Heartland Forest Trail

(Photo Credit: Heartland Forest Org)

Looking for a refuge in nature where you can enjoy the wood's rich wildlife on the go? Heartland Forest Trail is the right trail to visit for such an enriched hiking experience. With an average completion time of only 29 min, the Heartland Forest Trail is fun to visit with its scenic views sprinkled with meticulously carved sculptures, unwinding streams, and calm pools that are home to turtles, fish, and frogs. You can also stop by the learning centers that educate about the diverse natural habitats of wildlife.

Thankfully, the trail remains wheelchair and stroller friendly, which sets the visitors free from the worry of getting caught on roots or coming across any obstacles. The most exciting thing is that you can rent pavilions for a family picnic, a friend's reunion, a birthday party, or group adventures!

Wetland Ridge Side Trail

(Photo Credit: Niagara Bruce Trail Club/ Facebook)

Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the 4.8km long Westland Ridge Side Trail would take an average of 1 hour to complete. Its trailhead can easily be accessed from Taylor Road, where you can park your vehicle for free or for a nominal fee at times.

Traveling through reclaimed wetland, the trail passes through a patch of forest and two ponds to a vineyard near Niagra College, and finally encircles the tip of the escarpment. Hikers can also extend their hike along the two additional trails, the Margaret Kalogeropoulos Side Trail and the Krista Miller Chute.