Hi

We plan on driving from northern NJ to Niagara Falls, NY with a night in Corning on the way there. We will have 3 nights, 2 full days plus the evening of arrival (approx. 4pm) and the morning of departure (approx. 11am.). We have tickets for Maid of the Mist. We also want to do Cave of the Winds, Lockport Locks and Erie Canal boat trip, aquarium, Lockport Cave and maybe take a drive to either Lake Ontario or Erie just to see a Great Lake.

Is this enough time? We figure we’ll see the illumination of the falls each night during our three night stay.

Probably one cave is enough. You may decide that one boat trip is enough as well. Corning has the Corning Museum of Glass if that interests you. You might want to visit a vineyard on the way in the Finger Lakes Region.

Hey Tom,

we plan on staying one night in Corning.

Plan is to arrive near Corning around 2pm. Stay overnight and leave for Niagara noon the next day.

while there for our one overnight, We’d like to go to the Glass Museum and walk the gorge trail in Watkins Glen State Park.

Love Watkins Glen, but be aware water level will be low in early October. Drive up west side of Seneca lake on way to the falls.

If you want to rush through things you could do Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist early then head to Lockport for the 3 PM lock/canal cruise. Following morning early I would go to Whirlpool Rapids park (hike to bottom if you like) then head up to Fort Niagara for great views of Lake Ontario. I live in Buffalo area with in-laws in Lake Hopatcong, figure 6.5 to 7 hours from Fort Niagara to LH area on way back.

I think I might have misread your post. If you have three nights/two full days at Niagara Falls you have plenty of time. Would still go to Whirlpool Rapids Park and Fort Niagara.

Dave,

OMG. I live a few minutes from Lake Hopatcong! LOL

At the moment we have:

Day 1) Arrive Corning at 1pm.
Day 2) Leave at noon for Niagara Falls, NY (drive the west shore of Lake Seneca on the way)
Day 3) Niagara Falls
Day4) Niagara Falls
Day 5) Leave Niagara Falls around 1pm for home.

We can add one day to this trip if needed. We don’t want to feel rushed at all, as it’s our first vacation in 10 years.

musts for us:
Corning Glass, Walk the Gorge loop at Watkins Glen State Park.

Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Lockport Canal Cruise, Aquarium, see a Great Lake.

thanks everyone!

Is the border open for travel? Coronovirus restrictions...

No the border is closed, so we plan to stay in NY.

Another great stop after Watkins Glen is Letchworth State Park... you can easily walk the trail at the Glen and drive to Letchworth for an amazing look at fall colors on the way to the Falls...

Thank yo Gary!

Just to add a few tips to your itinerary... plan a day to include a drive north along the Niagara Gorge with a stop at the Whirlpool park... then continue north through Lewiston and Youngstown to Old Fort Niagara... this will put you at the mouth of the Niagara on Lake Ontario...

If you are adventurous, the best attraction at Niagara is the Whirlpool Jet Boats, which depart from Lewiston and run into October. You will get wet, but October waters are warmer...
After Ft Niagara, drive east along the Lake to Olcott, then head south on Rt 78 to Lockport and your Canal visit... October brings "the haunted Cave tour" in addition to regular events. HAVE FUN!

thank you once again!!!