Bairnhess RV Adventures: Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls - Akron, NY July 26 - 30, 2013

We had trouble finding a park near Niagara Falls as we are in the peak of summer tourist season, but we finally found one in Akron which is about 30 miles from the Falls. It was more of a destination park with a lake, mini golf, tennis, a petting zoo and lots and lots of playgrounds. They had just added their "big rig" sites and their hook ups are on the wrong side! So we pulled into a back-in site with the promise that there wouldn't be anyone camping in front of us so we could pull out. Then we realize their "full hook up" sites don't have sewer and no laundry facilities either. Not our worst park ever, but close! Luckily we shared our front door grass area with a really nice couple from New York.

We got all set up and since it was still early, we hopped in the truck and headed to the Falls to check out Niagara Falls State Park - the US side of the Falls. It was 30 miles on very busy highways, but so fun to see the mist as we were driving in. I found myself really excited to see this natural wonder. We found parking and made our way to the visitor center to check it out. The state park feels like Disneyland - people everywhere with shops and ticket booths. We spent a few minutes reading about the geologic history of the Falls and then made our way out to the observation area. I'm sure you all know this but Niagara Falls is actually three different falls - American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe. The view from the U.S. side is from the top of the American Falls. While viewing you are standing behind the falls so all you can see is the massive amount of water flowing over the top. It is a beautiful color. We decided to take the little trolley that goes around the park so we could hear about the falls and get a feel for the layout of the land. It was horribly crowded with ill-mannered children and adults from all over the world. We got off the trolley at the other end of the park to see the Horseshoe Falls and again the US side is kind of on top and behind the actual falls, but you are really close to the rushing water and standing in the falls mist. Very impressive.

American Falls US side

Horseshoe Falls US side

Beautiful Clear Water

I decided I wanted to return to the Falls on my birthday so we had an extra day to see something before returning to the falls. We had read about Letchworth State Park and our neighbors said we shouldn't miss it so we drove the 40 miles to see the "Grand Canyon of East". It was a gorgeous drive through New York farm land. Acres and acres of corn growing in all stages. We had a little mishap on the way when we stopped to get fuel. We usually have to pump twice since the pumps shut off at $100. So when Peg pulls the nozzle out for the second fill-up diesel shoots out and rains down on her. A diesel shower. She quickly shoved the nozzel into the truck, but not after it was everywhere. Note to self: diesel fuel is incredibly slippery. Of course there were no restrooms at this gas station so we clean up the best we can and endure the smell the rest of the way to the park. We entered the state park and were not disappointed. The Genesee River runs through a gorge with three different waterfalls. The river winds through the park with lots of look-out spots at different points. We make a beeline for the visitor center 9 miles into the park so Peg can purchase some new clothing and try to clean up better - the longest nine miles of our lives. She ends up with a really fun shirt. We then re-drove the length of the park stopping at the different spots to see the gorge and all of the waterfalls. It was quite beautiful.

Genesee River Gorge

Upper Falls

Middle Falls

We headed back to Niagara for my birthday to see the falls from the Canadian side. With passports in hand we crossed the border. It is a completely different experience on this side. There are still crowds of people, but the view is better, there are beautiful gardens all around and NICE people from all over the world. The Canadian's put the American's to shame! We found parking and walked the length of the falls. From this side you can see the entire face of all three of the falls. Amazing! We picked out a restaurant with a huge deck overlooking Horseshoe Falls for my birthday lunch. It was wonderful. We checked into the Journey Behind the Falls tour, but there was a 2 hour wait so we headed back to the US side to experience the "Caves of the Wind". Luckily the US version had no wait and was half the price! We suited up in our complementary rain ponchos and headed out onto the walkway to get up and personal with the Bridal Veil Falls. This is the smallest of the three, but it sure doesn't feel that way. We braved our way to the Hurricane deck where we had to hold on not be blown away. It was so fun. The fall was windier, quieter, and the water was warmer than I thought it would be and it tasted delicious! My beautiful day was topped off with lots of birthday wishes from friends and a delicious feast back at home including some fresh picked corn from a roadside stand.