Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About American Falls
American Falls plunges about 110 feet along the Niagara River and is the second-largest of the three waterfalls collectively known as Niagara Falls. Unlike the much larger Horseshoe Falls—which carries roughly 90% of its flow in Ontario and the rest in New York—the American Falls sits entirely within the United States inside Niagara Falls State Park. From the U.S. promenades the cascade reads as a broad, tumbling curtain of water, offering dramatic cross-border scenery and a compact, accessible encounter with one of North America’s most famous falls. The park’s paved promenades, boardwalks and viewing platforms put spectacular, close-up views a short walk from nearby parking, with Prospect Point and Luna Island among the most popular vantage points for photography and relaxed sightseeing. Most overlooks feature handrails and level approaches, making American Falls an ideal stop for first-time visitors, families, and anyone seeking a quick but unforgettable natural spectacle; specific accessibility features vary by viewpoint, so check individual overlooks for details before you go.
The Setting
American Falls sits at 505 feet in the foothills of New York. At 110 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 110 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Bridal Veil Falls (181 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Niagara Falls (167 ft, 0.2 mi) and Horseshoe Falls (167 ft, 0.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. American Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 0.1 miles with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: drive_up — viewpoints are reached via short, mostly paved walks from nearby parking areas rather than a long hike. Surface: paved paths, boardwalks and viewing platforms with handrails at major overlooks. Accessibility: suitable for most visitors, including those with mobility challenges, though specific accessibility features vary by overlook. Highlights: very short strolls to multiple overlooks (Prospect Point, Luna Island) deliver close-up, photogenic views of the 110-foot American Falls; the falls are the second-largest of the three Niagara Falls and lie entirely within the United States.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 110 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at American Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at American Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring through early fall for the most pleasant weather and full water flow. Winter visits offer a unique experience with icy landscapes but can be cold.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and behind railings at all times. The mist can make surfaces slippery, so wear appropriate footwear. Be cautious near the water's edge.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Niagara Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 156 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 110 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 498 feet above sea level.
Above the falls the ground is nearly level, then it breaks away and keeps dropping about 154 feet over the next 500 feet downstream. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 498 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 156 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
American Falls is located within Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, New York. It is easily accessible by car, and the park is well-signposted. The closest major city is Buffalo, NY, approximately 20 miles away.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at Niagara Falls State Park, with several lots near the falls. Parking fees may apply, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
505 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.085333° N, -79.068934° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons (summer) to avoid crowds. Wear waterproof clothing or bring a poncho if you plan to get close to the falls, as the mist can be heavy. Consider visiting at night to see the illuminated falls.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Hilton Niagara Falls/ Fallsview Hotel and Suites
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, the Cave of the Winds, and the Niagara Gorge Trail. The Maid of the Mist boat tour is also a popular activity.
Wildlife
Visitors may see birds such as gulls and herons around the falls. The park also has squirrels, raccoons, and other small wildlife.
Cities near American Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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