Governor Hochul Announces Completion of New ‘Cataract Stairs’ at Niagara Falls State Park

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the Cataract Stairs and Overlook - a new stairway and overlook structure at Niagara Falls State Park formally known as the Crow's Nest. Located alongside the American Falls, the Cataract Stairs allow visitors to climb next to the Falls and experience breathtaking, up-close views for a one-of-a-kind experience of one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.

"The Cataract Stairs are a magnificent addition to Niagara Falls State Park," Governor Hochul said. "The ability to stand so close to the American Falls is sure to bring more visitors to the park and leave even more lasting memories. This is the perfect place to 'Get Offline, Get Outside' and experience the incredible power and beauty of this wonder."

The $12 million expansion project added 163 new stairs to the existing staircase, creating a total of 274 stairs top to bottom. The project also includes a new overlook located within 35 feet of the American Falls, offering visitors an extraordinary new vantage point with the Niagara Gorge. Rising approximately 180 feet, the Cataract Stairs also provide a non-mechanical, alternate route out of the Niagara Gorge, enhancing visitor circulation and safety. During a portion of the off-season, the stairs will provide two-way access to the overlook.

As part of the project, the former partial stairway known as the 'Crow's Nest' has been renamed the 'Cataract Stairs and Overlook', a name that reflects its dramatic location alongside the mighty Niagara Falls.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, "We are thrilled to open this incredible new experience in time for Labor Day weekend. The Cataract Stairs are a great example of how Governor Hochul continues to invest in our state parks while creating new, unique and exciting opportunities for all our visitors. There may be no better place to get away from digital distractions and Get Offline, Get Outside, than standing alongside the incredible beauty and power of Niagara Falls."

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, "The new Cataract Stairs and Overlook, funded in part through the Niagara River Greenway and the continued operation of the Niagara Power Project, will provide visitors a safer and more meaningful way to experience the Falls. The addition of this new vantage point is an investment that will serve future generations of New Yorkers and reflects the Power Authority's continued support for projects in its host communities."

U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy said, "Niagara Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring natural landmarks in the world, and the Cataract Stairs give visitors an entirely new way to experience its incredible power and beauty. This investment will strengthen one of our region's most iconic destinations, support our local tourism industry and help create lasting memories for the millions of people who come to experience the Falls each year. I'm proud to see this project completed and continue building on the momentum that makes Niagara Falls a world-class destination."

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, "These are the types of projects that our community can take great pride in and bring us together to enjoy the wonders of this natural habitat while at the same time it will enhance the visitor experience to our city and region. Governor Hochul is right to continue investing in our tourism assets and we are grateful for her vision in furthering the acclaim of Niagara Falls as a regional, national and international destination."

Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn said, "This is another banner day for Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, U.S.A., and the local tourism industry, the result of a working partnership. Congratulations to Governor Hochul and New York State Parks on this great addition to Niagara Falls State Park. Our investment in this innovative project will further enhance the Maid of the Mist experience and for park visitors. It will also take some pressure off of the elevators which return our guests to the Observation Tower, especially on holiday weekends, starting with this Labor Day Weekend. Starting today, we have a new Niagara Falls tourist attraction, unlike any other."

Work was performed by Mark Cerrone Inc. and was funded by OPRHP capital funds, The Maid of the Mist Corporation, The Niagara River Greenway and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Governor Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" campaign encourages New York's kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first. Learn more at https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/get-offline-get-outside .

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 79.5 million visits in 2022. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and the OPRHP Blog.