I’m one of those people who has lived a lifetime within a very reasonable drive of Niagara Falls, yet never got there to see it. My loss! Niagara Falls is a truly spectacular natural wonder. This is a great time of year to go see it, too. The summer crowds are gone, the weather is still warm, and the leaves are starting to turn. What are you waiting for? Get on up there and check it out!

The Falls are actually in three sections. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are closest to the American shore. These are in an almost-straight line. Tiny Luna Island separates the larger American Falls from Bridal Veil. Goat Island is a sizable formation at the crest of the Falls that separates Bridal Veil from the Horseshoe Falls. Horseshoe is deeply curved, resembling the shape of a horse’s hoof. It is the largest section of the Falls and arguably the most spectacular. The plume of spray coming from Horseshoe soaks everyone standing within at least 100 yards, depending on which way the wind is blowing.

The photo above shows the American Falls in the foreground. Luna Island is next, and on the other side of Luna is the Bridal Veil, not visible in the photo. The furthest section of the falls is Horseshoe Falls. The buildings on the far bank of the gorge below the falls are in Canada.

Niagara Falls State Park offers fantastic views of the whole Falls. We began at Prospect Point, which brings you to the near edge of the American Falls. There are also great views of the rapids upstream of the falls.

From there we crossed a pedestrian bridge to Goat Island, which divides the American Falls and Bridal Veil from the Horseshoe Falls. Another bridge leads from Goat Island to Luna. On Luna, we stood between the American Falls and Bridal Veil. There were nice upstream views of the rapids from here, also.

An imposing statue of Nikolai Tesla sits on Goat Island. Tesla was a partner in the installation of the first power generation plant at Niagara Falls. Power was supplied to the town of Niagara.

A short walk across Goat Island brought us to Horseshoe Falls. The best views involved getting wet, but they were worth it!

The Maid of the Mist is a long-standing attraction at Niagara Falls. There are actually several of these boats that ferry passengers around the base of the Falls. Passengers receive plastic ponchos to keep dry. Everyone on the boat gets the same colored ponchos.

Gracie made a big splash at the Falls. People wanted pictures with her, and there were many compliments on what a pretty dog she is. Gracie, of course, happily soaked up the attention.

The day’s activities wore Gracie right out. She needed a nap as soon as we returned to the campground.