Haunted Niagara Falls Attractions: The Devil's Hole

Niagara Falls offers some of the most scenic natural attractions for visitors to the Cataract City. In addition to the mystical quality of the mighty Niagara Falls, there are also some natural attractions steeped in history and legend. The Devil's Hole is one of the Niagara Falls attractions alleged to be haunted by spirits from the past.

Part of the mystery of the Devil's Hole is the history of tragedy and unfortunate accidents in the Devil's Hole area. Niagara Falls is rich in Native American history and the area was the setting for many of the early colonial struggles. The modern day Devil's Hole is a sometimes tricky climb down a stone staircase to the Niagara River.

Devil's Hole State Park

Devil's Hole State Park is one of the many New York State parks in the Niagara region. Located just off the Robert Moses Parkway, just 4 miles from Niagara Falls, Devil's Hole State Park is a good place for a picnic or to brave the 410 stone stairs to the actual Devil's Hole at the bottom of the Niagara Gorge. Visitors may use the park free of charge and Devil's Hole State Park is open year round. Climbing down the stone staircase may be dangerous, however, during winter months, as well as during times of heavy rain. The staircase is uneven is spots, and overrun by weeds in others. The Devil's Hole is located 300 feet down from the top of the Niagara Gorge.

The Haunted History of Devil's Hole

The haunted history of the Devil's Hole dates back to a September 14, 1763, when a British wagon train happened to be passing the area, and was attacked by 500 Senecas. The tension between the Native Americans and British in the area had been unstable during this time and surprise attacks and fighting were not uncommon. This tragedy soon became known as the Devil's Hole Massacre. As a result of the massacre, at least 80 bodies of fallen British soldiers were found floating in the Niagara River a few days later. The British stepped up troops in the area and the Senecas conceded land as a result.

The Senecas declared that the cave near the bottom of Devil's Hole was the "Cave of the Evil Spirit." They warned that anyone who dared to enter the cave would find tragedy and misfortune in the future. The legend continues to this day.

Visiting the Devil's Hole

The Devil's Hole is an interesting place to visit and attempt to climb down to. The climb down can be steep and unpredictable in areas so those who are not up for the climb may want to stay back. Children should be accompanied by an adult for the climb, as both the trek down and the area by the Niagara River at the bottom can present dangers. Brave visitors may want to test the "Cave of the Evil Spirit" while visiting the Devil's Hole.

The best way to reach Devil's Hole State Park is by car. Visitors can travel approximately 4 miles down the Robert Moses Parkway from Niagara Falls towards Lewiston. Devil's Hole State Park will be on the left side along the Niagara Gorge.