Goat Island
Goat Island is the small island that sits in between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, the island serving as a popular place to hike, take in incredible views of the falls, and just enjoy your surroundings.
The island is named such because once upon a time, in 1778, a local man named John Stedman rowed his herd of goats over to the island to protect them from wolves. Unfortunately, the bitter winter weather killed off the herd anyway, all except one lone Billy Goat, so the story goes. Thus, Goat Island was named.
As mentioned before, there are several different footpaths to hike while here, as well as plenty of wooded landscapes to enjoy. The best part of this island is the views it offers of the Falls, though, the island vantage points considered to be the closest views of the falls you can get without going under by boat or over by helicopter. Terrapin Point, in the northwest corner, provides excellent views of Horseshoe Falls and the Niagara River, so be sure to stop here!
Goat Island also gives access to Cave of the Winds, Top of the Falls Restaurants, Three Sisters Island, Luna Island, and the Tesla Monument.