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Niagara Falls

 

 
 
     
 

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  American Falls   Bridal Veil Falls  
    AKA Rainbow Falls
American FallsHeight: 183 ft (56 meters) tall at its highest point to the river. The free-fall to the rocks below varies between 75-110 feet (28-33.5 meters) with an average of about 85 feet (26 m). Roughly 10 feet taller than the Horseshoe Falls.
Width: 830 feet (253 meters) measured straight across the brink. If measured along the zigzag-like brink: 949 feet (290 meters) long.
Faces: Northwest.
Plunge pool depth: The rock debris at the base of the falls fills in what could have been a pool as deep as the falls are tall. The depth of the river increases dramatically as the distance away from the rock debris increases.
Flow: 140,000 gal/sec (18,700 cubic feet per second), excluding the flow through Bridal Veil Falls. The American/Bridal Veil Falls together carry about 10% of the total flow of Niagara Falls. The flow can dip to half during off-peak tourism months.
GPS: N 43.08451 / W 79.06949
Location: Between Prospect Point and Luna Island in Niagara Falls, NY, USA.
Number of daredevils over: Zero
Video: Click here for video.
AKA Luna Falls, Iris Falls
Bridal Veil FallsHeight: 181 ft (55 meters) tall at its highest point to the river below. The freefall measures roughly 78 feet (24 m).
Width: 56 feet (17 meters) measured straight across the brink.
The total width of the American and Bridal Veil Falls together is 1,100 feet (326 meters).
Faces: Northwest.
Plunge pool depth: The rock debris at the base of the falls fills in what could have been a pool as deep as the falls are tall. The depth of the river increases dramatically as the distance away from the rock debris increases. In addition to the debris, there are the red wooden decks built for the Cave of the Winds tours.
Flow: 10,000 gal/sec (1,300 cubic feet per second). The American/Bridal Veil Falls together carry about 10% of the total flow of Niagara Falls. The flow can dip to half during off-peak tourism months.
GPS: N 43.08346 / W 79.07075
Location: Immediately south of the American Falls, between Luna Island  and Goat Island in Niagara Falls, NY, USA.
Number of daredevils over: Zero
 
 

 
  Horseshoe Falls   The Niagara River  
  AKA Canadian Falls
Horseshoe FallsHeight: Averaging 173 feet (53 meters) to the river below.
Width: Measuring in a straight line from the edge on the American side to the edge of the Canadian side the length is 977 feet (298 meters). Following the crest of the falls around: 2,200 feet (670 meters).
Faces: North.
Plunge pool depth: The falls ends in a 185 ft (57 meter) pool at its base. Although you cannot see the rock debris at the base of the falls like with the American Falls, the water of the Horseshoe Falls does not fall directly into the plunge pool and in many sections. Rock piles come very close to the surface throughout the pool.
Flow: 600,000 gal/sec (80,200 cubic feet per second). Carries 90% of the total flow of Niagara Falls. The flow can dip to half during off-peak tourism months.
GPS: N 43.07729 / W 79.07478
Location: Between Terrapin Point on Goat Island in the USA and Table Rock in Canada. The US/Canadian border runs through the falls, with most of the falls on the Canadian side.
Number of daredevils over: 14, with 5 dead.
Video: Click here for video.
The Niagara River runs north 35 miles, carrying water from Niagara RiverLake Erie to Lake Ontario.  At around 6 miles it surrounds the massive Grand Island and Beaver Island State Park. 22 miles in it splits in two again, forming Goat Island and creating the Cascade Rapids where the water begins to speed up in its initial descent down the Niagara Escarpment at Niagara Falls. There it drops an average of 178 feet (54 meters) and forms the 7 mile long Niagara Gorge. The river reaches a maximum depth of 185 feet (57 meters) near the base of the falls.

2.5 miles north of the falls the canyon narrows and the water accelerates, forming the class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most dangerous waters in the world. Traveling at nearly 35 mph, it bends nearly 90 degrees a half mile later at the Whirlpool.

The Niagara River calms to a class 3 as it passes through Devil’s Hole and it's smooth sailing the rest of the way to Lake Ontario. Explore our interactive map of the river.

 
 

 
  Niagara Falls Historical Timeline   Attractions: Canadian vs. American side  
  Historic TimelineFollow Niagara's history from its geologic creation to the latest of the Niagara daredevils. This massive timeline includes hundreds of entertaining entries with images and links.
Click here to view the timeline.
  Canadian va American sideEveryone faces the question: which side do I visit? Ontario? New York? Both? We compare the views and attractions each side has to offer to help you decide.
Click here to compare sides.
 
         
  Niagara Falls Maps   Facts and Frequently Asked Questions  
  Niagara Falls MapsA collection of maps for Niagara Falls and the Niagara region. Road maps, topographic, tourist attractions, and interactive maps with links and photos.
Click here to see our collection of maps.
  Niagara Falls - Frequently asked questionsFind the answers to the most commonly asked questions about Niagara Falls. From the color of the water to their shape. Have a question of your own? Ask and we will try to help.
Click here to see read the FAQ
 
         
  Niagara Falls Message Board   The Best Places to Stay  
  Niagara Falls Message BoardLooking for advice on planning a trip to Niagara? Want to share your best or worst Niagara Falls experience? Join us in the community section.
Click here go to the message board.
  Niagara Falls HotelsTo "Fallsview" or not to "Fallsview?" That is the question. Hopefully our guide will help you find the answer. We list the top places to stay on either side of the border
Click here to see hotel list.
 
         
  Fort Niagara State Park and Historic Site   Niagara Falls Calendar of Events  
  Niagara Falls Desktop WallpaperThe State Park is an excellent recreation facility with excellent views of Lake Ontario. The Historic Site is a living museum with daily reenactments.
Learn more about Fort Niagara.
  Buy waterfall printsFestivals happen year-round in the Niagara region. From yacht races to celebrations of music and culture. Before your plan your trip, find out what's going on.
Click here to see what's happening.
 
         
  Recommended Niagara Falls Books & DVDs   Buy Fine Art Photo Prints  
  Niagara Falls Books & DVDsShop for fact books, tourist guides, and beautiful photo books about Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region. Checkout is secure and handled by Amazon.com.
Click here to visit the Amazon E-store.
  Buy waterfall printsSee a NYFalls.com photo you like? Buy a print for home, work or school and help support this site. Shopping is secure and the quality is guaranteed.
Click here to visit the Print Store.
 
         
  Niagara Falls Desktop Wallpaper      
  Niagara Falls Desktop WallpaperDecorate your computer with these colorful, high-resolution desktop backgrounds. Be sure to check out the wallpapers for other NY state waterfalls.
Click here to download desktop wallpaper.
     
     
 

Niagara Falls Weather

 
 

Niagara Falls, New York, weather forecast