Devils Hole State Park

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Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Devils Hole State Park is a small state park located in Niagara County, New York.


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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit the park, including scenic hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and historic landmarks. The park is home to the Niagara River Gorge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the Devil's Hole Trail, which leads down to the Niagara River. Along the way, hikers will pass by a series of waterfalls and rock formations.

One of the main points of interest in Devils Hole State Park is the Devil's Hole Rapids, which are known for their powerful currents and turbulent waters. Visitors can also check out the historic Whirlpool Aero Car, which offers stunning aerial views of the Niagara River.

Some interesting facts about Devils Hole State Park include the fact that it was once used as a hideout by the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. Additionally, the park is home to the endangered Niagara River spiny softshell turtle.

The best time of year to visit Devils Hole State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the hiking trails are open. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be quite crowded during peak season, so it's a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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