PHOTOS: State Parks, elected leaders announce new 'crow's nest' project at Niagara Falls

Project to extend walkway from gorge to Prospect Point

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced construction is set to begin on the extension of the “crow’s nest” at Niagara Falls State Park. The expansion project includes the addition of new stairs and an overlook structure that will connect the existing walkway feature to Prospect Point at Niagara Falls State Park, providing a new and close-up view of the water. 

Hochul’s team said, “The crow’s nest is a set of stairs located alongside the American Falls that allow visitors to climb halfway up the side of the falls for breathtaking views of the falls before requiring visitors to go back down into the gorge and return to the upper level via the Maid of the Mist elevators. When complete, the project will provide visitors with a new option to experience the Niagara Gorge and relieve pedestrian congestion in the lower gorge during the busy season, where the only current means of egress is the elevator inside of the observation tower. The stairs will be operated as a one-way egress from the lower gorge during the busy season, and as a two-way access to the overlook during a portion of the offseason.”

Speaking of the extension of the crow’s nest area at a press conference Tuesday morning, New York State Parks Niagara Region Director Mark Mistretta said, “Today, we’re going to break ground on a pretty significant project. It’s been anticipated; it’s very important; and some might say it’s really impactful – more so than any of our other projects.”

He explained, “There is a narrow walkway from the bottom of the gorge, at the base of the tower, that comes up to a dead end. Literally, a crow’s nest. A small area that is a phenomenal photo op. It’s very popular.

“You get up there, but you have to come back. So, it does get congested during our busiest times. We really think we can do better. This project is about doing better.

“What we’re excited about is the project we’re about to break ground on today is going to provide a venue that is going to offer a view of the falls that nobody has ever had. We’re going to build a platform pretty close to the edge. It’ll seem like you can almost go out and touch the falls. You can’t, of course. But it’s going to be that close. It’s going to be spectacular.”

WHAT IS:

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Mistretta noted efforts undertaken to overcome the natural challenges – and winter weather – associated with the crow’s nest expansion.

“This project was very complicated,” he said. “It took a lot of professional minds to figure out how to get from down there all the way up here, in one of the harshest environments you can imagine.”

Pointing to the railway overlooking the walkway, he noted, “Sometimes there’s 10 to 15 feet of icicles up and down there. We had to figure it out – and we had the right team.”

WSP is the lead consultant, working alongside McMahon & Mann Consulting Engineers, Fisher Consulting Group and Arcadis. Mark Cerrone is the general contractor.

“Working with our professionals, we really came up with an exciting solution,” Mistretta said. “Everyone to geologists to environmentalists, to structural, civil engineers, planners – we had every (sector) on it.”

Construction on the $9 million project will begin after Labor Day, with a targeted opening date of summer 2026. The crow’s next expansion is being funded by State Parks capital funding, The Maid of the Mist Corp., the Niagara River Greenway and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

WHAT WILL BE:

Pictured are renderings of what the new crow’s nest expansion will look like when completed in 2026. (Images courtesy of the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul)

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Bonnie Lockwood, representing Hochul, said, “To learn about this wonderful project, and all of the folks involved in making it a reality – it’s certainly a credit to all of you who work hard every day and look for opportunities to expand and enhance those experiences for people that are residents of this city, that are residents of this country, from around the world, to enjoy this magnificent wonder of the world.”

New York State Parks Deputy Commissioner Tom Alworth said, “This is a very creative project. … We looked at plans and came to understand … this is visionary.

“What I love about it is, not only is it a way to get out of the gorge without using an elevator, but it also provides a little more intimacy to the gorge itself.”

He added, “I think going up that stairwell can bring our visitors a new experience, a new way, to experience the water.”

Additional comments

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “This project perfectly exemplifies the ways we are working to enhance our visitors’ experiences to our state parks. In this case, the stairs will provide recreation opportunities by expanding access to the lower part of the gorge and to Niagara Falls – an alternative to needing an elevator – and the overlook will allow people to experience the falls from a very close and unparalleled viewing perspective. We are grateful to all of our partners who have contributed to this project.”

Maid of the Mist President Christopher M. Glynn said, “We believe our $1.7 million investment in this innovative project will further enhance the Maid of the Mist experience. When the extension is finished, it will expedite people moving up to Prospect Point, alleviating some of the pressure on the observation tower elevators during our busiest times, such as the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends.”

New York Power Authority Chairman John R. Koelmel said, “The new construction will connect the crow’s nest feature to Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park, making it easier for visitors to take in the breathtaking view of Niagara Falls. Our support for the project is reflective of the Power Authority’s ongoing commitment to the community surrounding the Niagara Power Project.”

Congressman Tim Kennedy said, “Our region is enriched by having one of the natural wonders of the world in our own backyard. This project will improve access with even more breathtaking views of Niagara Falls, and provide a new way for residents and tourists to take in nature and enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.”

New York State Sen. Rob Ortt said, “I am always proud to support projects that enhance the crown jewel of the New York State Parks system. Creating more navigable paths at one of the most popular destinations at Niagara Falls State Park is long overdue and, ultimately, will make for better visitor experiences for guests from around the world.”

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said, “Thank you to Gov. Hochul and all the partners who continue to add to our world-class attraction: Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge. The completion of the crow’s nest, and the additional access to the gorge, increases the overall Niagara Falls experience for locals and tourists alike.”

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, “This addition to the state park experience will provide even more breathtaking access to our Niagara Falls. The crow’s nest extension will give residents and visitors an unmatched opportunity to enjoy the beauty and majesty of our natural wonder. We appreciate this investment and look forward to its completion.”

Local leaders and friends break ground on the new crow’s next expansion at Niagara Falls State Park.

Groundbreaking

New York State Parks Niagara Region Director Mark Mistretta

Bonnie Lockwood, representing Gov. Kathy Hochul

New York State Parks Deputy Commissioner Tom Alworth