- 1). Get your sightseeing off to a great start on the American side of Niagara Falls. Look for the distinctive green and white signs, which are all marked with footprints and a watermark. Before starting on your journey, get a glimpse of this natural wonder. Stop in the Visitors Center in the Niagara Falls State Park and grab an information brochure with detailed maps to several points of interest, like the Observation Tower. It’s open daily through December 31, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and definitely worth a visit. Don’t leave without stopping at the Festival Theater on the lower level. Here, you can get an overview of the history of the Falls by watching a great film that features highlights from a 2-hour documentary produced by the History Channel.
- 2). Don’t miss a chance to experience the dynamics of hydropower from a spectacular view 350 feet above the Niagara Gorge. The Niagara Power Plant is located in the vicinity just 4½ miles downstream from the Falls. Here, enormous electrical power is harnessed for much of the northeast. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the variety of exhibits and demonstrations illustrating the basics of electricity, energy efficiency and electrical safety.
- 3). Follow the trail past the Rainbow Bridge along State Route 104 to the historic Village of Lewistown. In addition to spectacular scenery, you’ll find delightful cafes, boutiques, antique and gift shops. If you’re traveling during the summer and feeling adventurous, consider a one-hour jet boat adventure. You’ll see the world famous rapids, stone walled canyon and legendary whirlpool. Visitors traveling the trail in early December will enjoy Lewiston’s old-fashioned Christmas celebration. The village truly captures the magic of the holiday season with thousands of Christmas lights, decorated windows, carolers, sleigh rides, parades, outdoors entertainment and complimentary refreshments.
- 4). Travel along the trail through Youngstown, where you’ll discover fabulous historic homes and gorgeous waterfront parks. Known as one of the first settlements to grow outside Fort Niagara in the late 1700s, Youngstown is the only area within New York that borders two of the Great Lakes. At the strategic point where the Niagara flows into Lake Ontario, sits the historic Old Fort Niagara, a living history museum open year-round. Take a stroll through the park, which is the site of historic battles and sieges. Venture near the shore to see the Toronto skyline shooting upward across the lake.
- 5). Take the scenic by-way through Olcott, a wonderful fishing area and pleasant lakeside village. Continue your journey on Lake Road east through Pultneyville to the Village of Sodus Point. If you visit during the fall, stop and take a two-hour, old-fashioned train ride to view the fabulous foliage. The trail then bears south on Route 14 to Alton. A number one attraction here is Chimney Bluff State Park, a unique place with 250-foot cliffs located on the shores of Lake Ontario. Don’t miss a chance for views of the stunning ridges. The trail then turns into Route 12E west through Chaumont to Cape Vincent’s Tibet Point Lighthouse. A drive along the gorgeous St. Lawrence River leads to Clayton where it connects to Route 12 north past the friendly village of Alexandria Bay. Here, you’ll discover numerous attractions and historical sights, including the magnificent romantic Boldt Castle, a main attraction in the area.
SHARE
