The park is named after a rock formation that once resembled a demonic face before it was altered by rockfalls.
The gorge at this location marks the point where the Niagara Falls cataract was positioned approximately 10,000 years ago.
The Niagara River at this point is approximately 100 feet deep with currents reaching up to 30 feet per second.
It is a significant site for fossil hunting, specifically for Silurian-era brachiopods and crinoids in the loose shale.
During the 1763 Devil's Hole Massacre, British soldiers were ambushed by the Seneca tribe at this exact site.
The rock layers visible in the gorge walls include the Lockport Dolostone, Rochester Shale, and Clinton Group.
Devil's Hole State Park features a dramatic gorge formed by the Niagara River, offering access to Class V whitewater rapids. The park is situated along the Niagara Escarpment, providing vertical rock faces and extensive hiking trails that descend into the gorge. Hikers follow a path along the water's edge that connects to the nearby Whirlpool State Park. The site is a key location for observing the geologic history of the Niagara River, including exposed layers of sedimentary rock. Anglers frequently use the site for salmon and trout fishing due to the river's deep, turbulent eddies. The park is part of the Niagara Scenic Parkway system and offers panoramic views of the Canadian shoreline.
The stone staircase observation point looking north toward the bend in the river.
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, as the descent into the gorge is steep and rocky.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the gorge acts as a corridor for migrating raptors.
Check local river flow conditions before planning a fishing trip, as rapid currents can make the shoreline inaccessible.
Attempting to swim in the Niagara River, which is strictly prohibited due to life-threatening currents and undertows.
Trails leading to the river bottom may close seasonally due to ice accumulation or hazardous rockfall conditions.
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and avoid dangerous rock slides; carry out all trash to protect the riparian ecosystem.
