Published: July 06, 2008 09:52 pm            

EVENTS: Take a hike — at the state parks

Staffers leading walks through parks starting Thursday

Daily walks around the Niagara Falls State Park and hikes into the Niagara Gorge — led by staffers from the parks interpretive office — will start Thursday and continue through the Labor Day weekend.

Angela Berti, marketing and event coordinator for the regional state parks commission, said participants will be afforded an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating natural and cultural history of the area.

The Goat Island Adventure Walks are scheduled every Friday and Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks over the falls also are slated for 10 p.m. on those days. The meeting area is near the Three Sister Islands restrooms.

Pre-registration is not required but space is limited on a first-come, first-serve basis, the spokesman said.

Prospect Point Adventure Walks along the upper rapids and through the landscaped Great Lakes Gardens are set Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.

Scenic Overlook Hikes are offered daily along the Niagara Gorge, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Topics include geology, flora and fauna, gorge ecology and local history. The meeting place is the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Building (across from the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center.) The cost: $1 per person.

Whirlpool Overlook Walks are scheduled Thursday-Sunday, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. A naturalist will lead the group on a 20-minute walk to the whirlpool, the deepest part of the river, for spectacular views of the rapids and lower river. The meeting place is the main Whirlpool building in the park. The walks are free.

The regional Nature and Visitor Centers opened Friday and will be operated through Labor Day.

The Beaver Island Nature Center on Grand Island is open from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Additional information is available at 826-8895.

The Fort Niagara Nature Center is open from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also, the naturalist displays will be located throughout the park. For additional information, call 745-7848.

The Whirlpool Natural History Room at Whirlpool State Park is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.

        

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