The best walks and hikes in De Veaux Woods State Park
4.7
(124)
2,186
hikers
92
hikes
Hiking in De Veaux Woods State Park offers a mix of gentle woodland paths and access to the larger Niagara Gorge Trail System. The park itself is a 51-acre area containing a rare old-growth forest with oak trees over 300 years old. Trails wind through these woods and open meadows, connecting to adjacent parks like Whirlpool State Park for more extensive routes along the Niagara River.
Best hiking trails in De Veaux Woods State Park
- The most popular hiking route is View of the Niagara River – Niagara River wild water loop from Niagara Falls, a 4.5 mile (7.2 km) trail that takes around 2 hours to complete. This moderate route features views of the Niagara River's rapids.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Devil's Hole State Park loop from Niagara Falls, an easy 2.4 mile (3.9 km) path. The trail follows the gorge rim and offers access to river-level paths.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Niagara Glen Trail, a 1.9 mile (3.1 km) trail leading through the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, often completed in about 55 minutes.
- Hiking in De Veaux Woods State Park is defined by its historic old-growth forest, riverside gorge trails, and connections to the wider Niagara trail network. The network provides options for both short, easy walks and more challenging hikes along the river.
- The routes in De Veaux Woods State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 120 reviews. More than 2,400 hikers have used komoot to explore De Veaux Woods State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
12
hikers
15.1km
04:01
150m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4
hikers
3.95km
01:09
100m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(4)
30
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(11)
146
hikers
3.05km
00:54
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around De Veaux Woods State Park
Tips from the Community
If you do the course in reverse direction, CCW, then the up hill gradient is more uniformly distributed.
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And another very impressive view of the river
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Just past the Niagara Glen Nature Center is a fenced area, and over the fence is an impressive view of the Niagara River in the gorge below. Walk to Niagara Glen Nature Trail to navigate the cliff sides and get to know the forest below, but some of the best views are from up top by the nature center, easily accessible from the parking area.
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From the Cliffside Path you have a great view of the Niagara River. The river, which forms the border between the USA and Canada, rushes past you impressively. The world-famous Niagara Falls are about four kilometers upstream.
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Through the trees you can see the Whirlpool Rapids, also known as the Niagara Whirlpool. The Niagara River turns at a right angle here, creating the whirlpool. From the bank you can see the boats carrying tourists speeding over the rapids. On the other side of the bank you can see the USA, the river forms the natural border.
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The Terrace Path takes you through the seemingly untouched Carolinian Forest, past geological formations and exciting flora and fauna.
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The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
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This is a free park with overlooks, picnic spots, and trails that offer views of the spectacular Devil's Hole Rapids. This is a great spot to start the Robert Moses Trail headed south to Whirlpool Park, and you can bike all the way down to Goat Island and Niagara Falls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails at De Veaux Woods State Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails as long as they are on a leash. The park also features a dedicated off-leash dog park for your furry companion to enjoy.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the park?
The trails within De Veaux Woods State Park are generally considered easy and well-suited for families and casual walkers. They wind through a peaceful meadow and the historic old-growth forest, offering a gentle and scenic experience for all ages.
How do I get to the Niagara Gorge trails from De Veaux Woods State Park?
There is a path that leads from De Veaux Woods State Park across the Niagara Scenic Parkway, connecting you directly to the adjacent Whirlpool State Park. From there, you can access the extensive Niagara Gorge Trail System for more challenging hikes with views of the river.
What is the old-growth forest like?
The park contains a rare, ten-acre old-growth forest, which is a remnant of the original woodlands of Western New York. On the trails here, you can walk beneath towering red, white, and black oak trees, some of which are over 300 years old. It's a very tranquil and majestic section of the park.
Can I hike in De Veaux Woods State Park during the winter?
Yes, the park is open year-round for hiking. When conditions permit, the trails are also suitable for cross-country skiing, offering a different way to experience the park's winter beauty.
How long are the hiking trails?
The trails within De Veaux Woods State Park itself are relatively short and easy, perfect for a quick walk. However, its connection to the Niagara Gorge Trail System opens up many longer options. For example, the Rainbow Bridge – View of Niagara Falls loop is a longer, moderate hike of about 7 miles (11 km) that showcases the grander scale of the area.
Is there parking available at the park?
Yes, there is free parking available for visitors at De Veaux Woods State Park. It provides convenient access to the trailheads, playground, and other park amenities.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The routes around De Veaux Woods State Park are very well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the unique experience of walking through the ancient old-growth forest and the easy access to the more dramatic trails along the Niagara Gorge.
How many hiking trails are there in and around De Veaux Woods State Park?
You can explore over 80 different hiking routes in the area. These range from short, easy walks within the park's boundaries to more demanding treks that are part of the larger Niagara Gorge trail network.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, there are several loop trails. For a longer, more immersive experience that includes a boat tour view, you could try the Niagara Falls Boat Tour – American Falls loop. This route provides a comprehensive tour of the falls area.
What are the main points of interest to see on the trails?
The primary point of interest within the park is the old-growth forest with its centuries-old trees. By connecting to the adjacent trail system, you can also access stunning views of the Niagara River's whirlpool and rapids from the gorge rim.
Most popular routes in De Veaux Woods State Park
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