As the largest waterfall in the United States, Niagara Falls hasbeen a popular attraction ever since tourism became a business. Thesite offers tours, boat rides, and nature hikes-each of which offers adifferent way of experiencing Niagara Falls. From the Point ProspectObservation Tower, which provides a wide survey of the entirestructure, to pathways along Prospect Point Park and several differentislands, one can really get a feel of just how wide the Falls are.However, nothing beats the face-to-face experience of being beneath thecrashing waters on the Maid of the Mist, one of many boat cruises thattakes tourists right into "the belly of the beast". Another option forhands-on discovery is to take the nature hike from Goat Island, fromwhere access to one of Niagara Falls' caves is possible. Whicheverexperience you choose, you're likely to come away with the realizationof the miniscule role we humans play in the grand scheme of things onthis earth. It almost tends to be an out-of-body experience as onerealizes up-close, the sheer beauty and magnitude of Niagara Falls aswell as the presence of danger lying dormant within her confines.

A visit to the Falls is rather convenient because of its multipleaccess points, but it's important to note that during the peak tourismmonths of July and August, a nature buff might not get the fullspiritual experience of Niagara's greatness simply because the presenceof large crowds of tourists (including squealing children and flashingcameras). Also in the summer, nearly unbearable heat near thewaterfalls makes it challenging for all by the most experienced hiker.During these months it's best to opt for the boat tour...but, beforewarned... you will get wet!

The best time to visit Niagara Falls in order to get the fullexperience would be April-May. Check the weather to make sure it won'tbe raining. There's already so much water in the vicinity, you don'tneed any more. It can tend to get a bit swampy and the hike up toNiagara will prove to be more difficult than you bargained for.However, if you catch a hike or tour on a dry day, the smell of the airwill lead you to believe you've found an oasis in the midst of a crazyworld. So, nature-lovers...avoid the summer crowds and heat toexperience the best of Niagara Falls.

But, if you're just looking for something to do while vacationingaround that area of the Canadian border with your family, the summermonths are not that bad. The tour guides tend to be a bit more aware ofthe presence of younger children and they'll structure the tours in away that even the youngest kids can have fun as well. It can be amemorable family experience if that's what you're looking for. There'snothing quite like nature's ferocity if ending at Niagara Falls on ajourney of self-exploration and discovery.

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