Looking for a way to escape the crowds of the iconic Niagara Falls? The Niagara Glen trail may be just what the doctor ordered. Located on the Canadian side of the river, this pleasant trail descends through some dense foliage before depositing you at "river level" where you can intimately observe the power and beauty of the Niagara River.
Trail Info
Know before you go
There are several interconnected trails in this area. There's no "correct" path, and there's plenty of signage to ensure you don't get lost, but I recommend snapping a pic of the trail system or downloading this map at the start of the trail. I followed the Main Loop Trail to keep closest to the river.
This trail is located on the Canadian side of Niagara River. If you're on the American side and forgot your passport, looks like you will have to sit this one out.
Other trails nearby
The Whirlpool Trail allows you to follow a longer stretch of trail that parallels the river and get a glimpse of the whirlpool.
The Trail
After parking (and paying your parking fee), you will head down this stair structure to reach the trails.
Most of the elevation loss/gain on this hike occurs at the start and finish when you have to descend or ascend these stairs to reach street level.
And right away you are met with many decisions. Do I go clockwise or counterclockwise? Which loop should I take? After having spent 3+ hours in a car that day, I opted to head clockwise around the Main Loop so I could get a few steps in and keep close to the river. These blue logos will help you keep on the outer loop, but there's plenty of junctions for you to explore if you so choose.
The trail is fairly tame, but there is the occasional uneven footing and muddy spots. For a hike that was really meant to be a way to stretch my legs, I was impressed by the rich foliage that surrounded me.
There were also a handful of unique rock formations to observe.
One of the very unique parts of this trail is how close you get to the Niagara River. If you happen to hear some screams or the roar of an engine, don't worry, that is just one of these jet boats passing by.
The most notable landmark is a low point near the Niagara River, where you can safely dip your feet thanks to its sheltered spot. If this is your primary destination and you don't care about getting those extra steps, I recommend starting the loop counterclockwise to reach it more quickly.
A great hike offering a fresh perspective of the stunning Niagara Falls area.
SS Reflections
As far as I'm concerned, Niagara Falls is (rightfully) the thing you should be going to see if you make the trek here. But sometimes a quieter (read: less crowded) side journey is in order. If that's what you are seeking, the Niagara Glen trail is sure to deliver.
Other helpful resources
Ontario hiking's post about this trail
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