Aug 30-Sep 1 Niagara Falls, Letchworth & Green Lakes $289 (3 Days 2 Nights)

NIAGARA FALLS

Among the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, Niagara Falls are comprised of three waterfalls that thunder and astound, producing a higher flow rate than any other waterfall in the world and standing at a height of 167 feet.

No matter when you visit, there are always plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls USA. Enjoy the beautiful Niagara Falls attractions and have an experience that will last a lifetime. Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara County are not only home to the Falls but are rich in history, culture, outdoor life, shopping, adventure and agriculture. There are hundreds of attractions and things to do in the Niagara Falls region year-round.

More on https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/things-to-do/

LETCHWORTH STATE PARK

Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs--as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forests. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. Experiencing Letchworth by hot air balloon is unforgettable, as seen in this video clip.

More on https://parks.ny.gov/parks/letchworth

GREEN LAKES STATE PARK

Green Lakes State Park's outstanding features are its two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters. Such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. More on https://parks.ny.gov/parks/greenlakes/details.aspx

LODGING

We will be staying in a recently renovated big duplex near Niagara Falls, 10 bedrooms, 10 beds (8 queen beds, 2 double beds), 5.5 baths, a dedicated workspace, 2 fully stocked kitchen, & 2 living room. We will max out at 15 people. The house is 5 minutes drive to Niagara Falls (15 minutes walk).

Features: Close to Seneca Casino, restaurants & bars, balcony, arcade games, board games, ceiling fan, free WiFi , TV, microwave, coffee machine, hair dryer. (Note: No washer & dryer)

Essential Provided: Bed sheets and toilet paper (Bring your own shampoo, conditioner & body soap)

DEPARTURE/RETURN SCHEDULE

Depart Date: Aug 30th, 2025 Saturday. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier. Van will depart sharply on time with or without you.

Depart 6:30 AM from Queens: (Across street from Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel) 135-20 39th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354 (Map). Subway lines (Main St-Flushing): 7.

Depart 7:10 AM from NYC: (ViVi Bubble Tea) Corner of 43rd St and 9th Ave New York, NY 10036 (Map) Subway lines (Times Sq-42 St): A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S.

Depart 8:00 AM from NJ: (NJ Transit Ramsey Route 17) 1 Spring St, Ramsey, NJ 07446 (Map) $2 to $4 daily parking at the station's parking garage. Meet at the pick-up/drop-off area (indoor) in the back of the parking garage (This is different from preivous seasons as it is more convienent & safer to pick-up/drop-off indoor)

Return Date/Time: Depart from Green Lakes on Monday Sept 2nd after lunch around 2:00 PM and expect to arrive at NJ at 8:30 PM, NYC at 9:15 PM & Queens at 10:00 PM

TENTATIVE PLAN (Plan may vary depending on weather among other factors)

8/30 Saturday:

• Arrive at Letchworth State Park around 3 PM after lunch. Enjoy this 3.1-mile out-and-back trail near Portageville, New York. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 44 min to complete, and we will see the beautiful Lower Falls. (About 2.5 total hours) https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-york/lower-falls-and-gorge-trail

• We will go grocery shopping for breakfasts, snacks & drinks before checking in the house.

• At night, we will get to see the majesty of Niagara Falls from nearby Goat Island as the roaring waters are brilliantly illuminated against the night sky. (1.5 hours)

8/31 Sunday:

• Whirlpool State Park - Whirlpool State Park overlooks the Niagara Gorge. Have a picnic in the field above before hiking below to see the whirlpool up close. The park includes hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and a playground. (30 mins)

• Niagara Falls Daytime View from Prospect Point & Observation Tower, and walk around the park (1.5 hours)

• Maid of the Mist (Extra Cost $30.25) - This famous boat ride gets passengers up close and personal with the Niagara Falls! The Maid rides right into the mists thrown up by the roaring cascade as the Niagara River tumbles over the edge of the falls. (40 minutes)

• Option 1: Canadian Side Attractions (Recommended for those with US passport or Enhanced Driver License) - If most people opt not to do Jet Boat Ride, we can visit Canadian side for 2 to 3 hours. Cost of walking across the bridge is $1 (4 quarters or change it at changer machine)

• Option 2: Jet Boat Ride (Extra Cost $66.95 + fuel surcharge) - These exciting boat rides take passengers on a thrilling trip down the Niagara River! This round-trip ride zooms through the Niagara Gorge, and even takes passengers to the famous Whirlpool rapids, all of a custom-built jet boat. This ride starts at 10:00 AM. and every hour on top of the hour until 5 pm (45 minutes per ride).

9/1 Monday:

• Check out the house & bring everything to the van.

• Arrive at Eternal Flame Falls. The flame is known to be visible year-round, though it can be extinguished and needs to be relit occasionally. This natural phenomenon, where natural gas seeps from the ground and is lit, creates a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors.

• Arrive at Green Lakes State Park in the morning, and hike Green Lake to Round Lake Trail for about 1.5 hours. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

• Optional: Afterward, we can visit Clark Reservation State Park & do some short hikes if time allows & everyone is interested.

• After lunch, departing for NYC around 3:00 PM.

COST (LODGING & TRANSPORTATION)

Super Early Birds: $259 per person for first 7 spots or by May 6th Monday whichever comes first (First 2 days of the trip posting; discount applies automatically on Eventbrite). Early Birds: $289 per person for first 7 spots or by July 15th whichever comes first. Regular: $319 per person afterward. Own bed option is no available, but do have own room option at a great price. $80 extra to upgrade to own queen/double bed room from shared bed spot.

Cost Included in the Trip: 2 nights shared accommodation (sharing a queen bed) near Niagara Falls State Park. Round trip transportation from NYC area & tolls, daily transportation between the house & activity destinations, & parking fee if any. $10 tips for the van driver is required & will be collected on the returning trip.

Cost Not Included in the Trip: * Any paid attractions in Niagara Falls; * Meals, snacks & drinks; * Gratitude for the trip leader/driver

BUY TICKET HERE

https://aug302025niagarafalls.eventbrite.com/ Returning members ONLY: You can also Venmo us @jwang88 to avoid transaction fee. Please provide your email, phone #, your van boarding location and preferred roommate if any. Your spot is not confirmed until your payment is received.

REFUND POLICY

* Full refund minus $50 processing fee if cancelled by July 15th

* 50% refund if cancelled 20 days in advance

* No refund for cancellation or no show within 20 days; however, spots can be transferred to your friends with $30 processing fee.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

To protect your trip, consider buying travel insurance, around 5% to 7% of total cost, and you can get reimbursed 75% to 100% of the cost for any reason for cancellation or trip interruption. https://www.travelinsured.com/

VIDEO: 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN NIAGARA FALLS

Pictures from the Previous Trip

https://www.meetup.com/ny-ski-snowboard-club/photos/33901477/

https://www.meetup.com/ny-ski-snowboard-club/photos/34840343/

CHECK OUT ALL 2025 TRIPS (More to Come):

Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/NYCAYS/events

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Eventbrite: https://nyskiclub.eventbrite.com

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In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in NY Ski & Snowboard Club events and activities, the event participant acknowledges, and agrees that:

1) The risk of injury from the events may be significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and,

2) KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,

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