Hi there!
Terrapin Point is one of popular viewpoints in Niagara Falls State Park of New York.
Terrapin Point is where you go on the American side of Niagara Falls when you want to see Horseshoe Falls up close.
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Now, just so you know, the best views of Horseshoe Falls from land are actually not from the American side. The views from Horseshoe Falls are better on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
But still, you can experience the magnificence of the Horseshoe Falls of Niagara Falls on the American side too.
If you have never been to Niagara Falls before, then you will very likely be wowed by the waterfalls no matter which side you are on.
When it comes to experiencing Horseshoe Falls in New York, it is basically an experience of being on top of the waterfalls. And to have this experience of being on top of Horseshoe Falls, you will go to Terrapin Point!
You can see where part of the Niagara River flows to become Horseshoe Falls.
👆 Looking back to where the water flows from.
👇 Looking “forward” to where the water flows to… aka Horseshoe Falls!
And, the water flow of Horseshoe Falls is actually so powerful that you may even feel a little bit of the mist from Horseshoe Falls while you’re still in the parking lot!
You may feel a light spray of mist immediately upon stepping out of your car!
As you may have noticed in the pictures above, you can see that mist from far away too.
A bit more below about what it’s like to go to Terrapin Point to see Horseshoe Falls!
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Here’s a bit of what a visit to Terrapin Point of Niagara Falls NY is like!
aka PHOTOS!
So if you are parking at the lot closest to Terrapin Point, then you will likely be able to figure out which way to go based on where you can see the mist and spray of the falls off in the distance! That, and there are many signs.
So basically you will just follow the signs to Terrapin Point.
And then you’ve made it down to river level aka the top of Horseshoe Falls!
Walk around Terrapin Point and enjoy the views of the Horseshoe Falls, the Niagara River, the Niagara Gorge, and Canada across the river!
Horseshoe Falls loops around in a half circle (like a horseshoe…) so when you’re off to the left and see the waterfalls along the US side and the Canada, if you look more carefully, these are a part of the same waterfalls!
👆 That’s the Maid of the Mist boat ride heading closer to the mist of Horseshoe Falls!
And then if you look off to the other side in the opposite direction of Horseshoe Falls, you can see mist coming off of the other Niagara Falls. (You can see that up close by going to Luna Island.)
Cost to go to Terrapin Point
The cost of going to Terrapin Point is your cost of parking at Niagara Falls State Park. The parking fee is around $10-15. See current fees.
If you have the annual state park pass (Empire Pass), the parking is free. If you are staying at any New York state park campground, your camping permit will allow you to get free parking as well.
Or, if you park outside of Niagara Falls State Park at one of the free parking lots near the Discover Niagara shuttle stops, then you can take the free Discover Niagara shuttle into Niagara Falls State Park.
Other than the parking fee, there is no entry fee for Niagara Falls State Park.
Parking lot near Terrapin Point
Terrapin Point is on the Goat Island part of Niagara Falls State Park. On Goat Island, the main parking lot is the one that you’ll come across first, also called parking lot #2. Terrapin Point is located right near parking lot #2, and it can make for a perfect way to start your day at Niagara Falls!
Parking lot #2 has a chance of getting full, and if this happens, then you can then move along to parking lot #3 (which is also for RVs). From parking lot #3, you can walk the Goat Island trail about 10-15 minutes one way to get to Terrapin Point. Or, you can take the Niagara Scenic Trolley that loops around Goat Island and the rest of the state park. There is a trolley stop near parking lot #3, and it also goes near Terrapin Point. The trolley costs around $3 per person for an all-day ticket. See current fees.
And that’s a bit about the New York viewpoint of Horseshoe Falls!
After you’ve taken in the views of Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point, what to do?!
Also right near the Terrapin Point parking lot is Cave of the Winds (bring a waterproof phone case!) and Luna Island.
Or, take the Goat Island trail and walk to Three Sisters Islands for a different viewpoint of the Niagara River and spray coming off of Horseshoe Falls!
Watch the video on youtube: Terrapin Point
HAPPY SEEING THE TOP OF HORSESHOE FALLS FROM TERRAPIN POINT!
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