Monday, January 19, 2009

Niagara Falls: One of Nature's Great Wonders

Niagara Falls is situated between the twin cities of Niagara
Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York, and is separated
into two sections: The American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.
The highest drop is from Horseshoe Falls which is about 170
feet, whereas American Falls is only a 70-foot drop. However,
the sight of Niagara Falls is still spectacular. The intensity
of the water rushing over the cliff’s edge, pumping at its peak
over 100,000 cubic feet of water every second from Lake Erie,
leaves Niagara Falls as a true testament to Nature’s majesty.

As the largest waterfall in the United States, Niagara Falls
has been a popular attraction ever since tourism became a
business. The site offers tours, boat rides, and nature
hikes—each of which offers a different way of experiencing
Niagara Falls. From the Point Prospect Observation Tower, which
provides a wide survey of the entire structure, to pathways
along Prospect Point Park and several different islands, one can
really get a feel of just how wide the Falls are. However,
nothing beats the face-to-face experience of being beneath the
crashing waters on the Maid of the Mist, one of many boat
cruises that takes tourists right into “the belly of the beast”.
Another option for hands-on discovery is to take the nature hike
from Goat Island, from where access to one of Niagara Falls’
caves is possible. Whichever experience you choose, you're
likely to come away with the realization of the miniscule role
we humans play in the grand scheme of things on this earth. It
almost tends to be an out-of-body experience as one realizes
up-close, the sheer beauty and magnitude of Niagara Falls as
well as the presence of danger lying dormant within her
confines.

A visit to the Falls is rather convenient because of its
multiple access points, but it’s important to note that during
the peak tourism months of July and August, a nature buff might
not get the full spiritual experience of Niagara’s greatness
simply because the presence of large crowds of tourists
(including squealing children and flashing cameras). Also in the
summer, nearly unbearable heat near the waterfalls makes it
challenging for all by the most experienced hiker. During these
months it’s best to opt for the boat tour...but, be
forewarned... you will get wet!

The best time to visit Niagara Falls in order to get the full
experience would be April-May. Check the weather to make sure it
won’t be raining. There's already so much water in the vicinity,
you don't need any more. It can tend to get a bit swampy and the
hike up to Niagara will prove to be more difficult than you
bargained for. However, if you catch a hike or tour on a dry
day, the smell of the air will lead you to believe you’ve found
an oasis in the midst of a crazy world. So,
nature-lovers...avoid the summer crowds and heat to experience
the best of Niagara Falls.

But, if you’re just looking for something to do while
vacationing around that area of the Canadian border with your
family, the summer months are not that bad. The tour guides tend
to be a bit more aware of the presence of younger children and
they'll structure the tours in a way that even the youngest kids
can have fun as well. It can be a memorable family experience if
that’s what you’re looking for. There's nothing quite like
nature’s ferocity if ending at Niagara Falls on a journey of
self-exploration and discovery.

About the Author: C. Brown is the webmaster of
http://FeelTheMist.com, featuring pictures, videos and facts
about Niagara Falls, one of the world's greatest natural
wonders.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=265605&ca=Travel

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