Former ‘Crow’s Nest’ Rebuilt, Expanded and Renamed
New Experience Offers Visitors a Powerful Location to Get Offline, Get Outside
$12 Million Project Improves Safety and Enhances the Maid of the Mist Experience
Governor Kathy Hochul 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.
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.
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