Frozen Niagara Falls

About 700 years ago, Niagara Falls separated into three distinct falls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

The massive power of the water tumbling over the cliff edge erodes the soft layer of shale beneath the Lockport Dolostone caprock. Over time the erosion created a cave behind Bridal Veil Falls, which was at one point commercialized.

Today, visitors can take an elevator down into the Niagara Gorge and view the backside of the American Falls. Depending on the time of the year, you can walk on platforms and see the fall’s power up close.

New York State Parks staff break down the Cave of the Winds walkways and platforms each winter to prevent damage from the winter buildup of ice and reconstruct them in the fall.