State Parks urges Niagara River Gorge Trail visitors to use caution

Recent storms have affected conditions with extensive damage

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation advises visitors to the Niagara River Gorge Trail to utilize extreme caution, as the trail network recently sustained extensive damage from severe thunderstorms, high winds and flash flooding.

Damages include erosion and several downed trees across the trails. The saturating rains caused mud and rock slides across the trails and stairs, in some areas washing away the trails completely. While certain sections of the trails are still usable, there are also areas that may be difficult to use. Some additional areas may be impassable.

For visitors who choose to use these trails in their current condition, the following is recommended:

•Use caution and adhere to posted notices or warnings about possible hazardous damage in the area;

•Consistently look up and look ahead for trees or limbs that may be leaning;

•If you encounter crews doing repair work, give them a wide berth for their and your safety.

After investigation, the process for the trails to return to their pre-storm conditions is estimated to take six to eight weeks. State Parks thanks readers for their patience as crews work to make the trails safer and more enjoyable.

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The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintains and operates 179 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. A recent study commissioned by Parks & Trails New York found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs.

For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.