Gov. Hochul says update to Niagara Falls’ ‘Crow’s Nest’ set to begin construction

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday the construction of the extension of the “Crow’s Nest” at Niagara Falls State Park is set to begin.

Work will begin in early September and be complete for the 2026 season.

New stairs will connect the “Crow’s Nest,” a set of stairs located halfway up the American Falls, to the top of the Falls to relieve pedestrian congestion. Currently, visitors must go back down the “Crow’s Nest” and into the gorge, taking elevators to get back up to Prospect Point.

The stairs will serve as a one-way exit from the lower gorge during the busy season and will be open to two-way traffic during a portion of the off season.

An overlook structure will also be built on the new stairs.

At $9 million, the project will be funded by State Parks capital funding, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Maid of the Mist Corporation and the Niagara River Greenway.

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.