Old Stone Chimney (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Old Stone Chimney?
What makes it 66% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can read the plaque, take photos, sketch, and access trails; the free lot and paved path make logistics easy, but the site is small and lacks shelter or services.
Positives:
- Free access: Open 24/7 with no entry fee
- Quiet spot: Away from main falls crowds for peaceful exploration
Challenges:
- No facilities: No restrooms, water fountains, or shade at the chimney
- Limited parking: Small lot fills early, plan arrival time
What is Old Stone Chimney?
- A limestone chimney that stands as the only remaining structure of Fort du Portage, built in the mid-18th century
- A symbol of colonial-era fur-trade operations and military presence along the Niagara River
- A designated historic monument preserving authentic period masonry in its original riverside location
What is so special about Old Stone Chimney for solo trip?
- Free, self-guided stop with rich 18th-century history
- Scenic riverside setting ideal for journaling or photography
- Easy hike from Niagara Gorge Trailhead with marked paths
- No entry fee and quiet atmosphere away from main crowds
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to hike from the Gorge trailhead, study the history plaque, and sketch or photograph the chimney
Solo-Friendly Activities in Old Stone Chimney
Self-guided history stop:
Read the on-site plaque to learn about Fort du Portage’s mid-18th-century history.
Tip: Scan the plaque’s QR code to open the chimney’s Wikipedia page for deeper details
Journaling or sketching:
Sit on a rock or bench by the river and capture your impressions in a notebook or sketchpad.
Tip: Bring pens, paper, and use morning light for crisp shadows
Hike via Gorge trails:
Follow the Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Trail from the Niagara Gorge Trailhead, then continue east on the paved bike path to reach the chimney.
Tip: Start at the trailhead near Terrapin Point to stay on marked paths
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Old Stone Chimney
- Visit early: Go at dawn for cooler temps, empty paths, and soft light
- Download maps: Save the Gorge trail map offline to avoid signal issues
- Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, and basic first-aid as no services are on site
Reviews of Old Stone Chimney
Adnan Mohamedbhai
A cool little historical stop after crossing over into the U.S.A at Niagara Falls. Appreciate the history of the region and these little maintained spaces of history keep the story alive.
Sherry R
Quite the history with this old stone chimney. It has been moved several times, so I imagine the stones are original. The masonry work on the chimney was done well. A nice clean spot to pull over, have some lunch and enjoy the view.
Jeff Schmidt
Pulled over to the see only remnant of the old Portage House: the chimney. Interesting reading on the signs and great views of the area as well as Ontario across the water.
Skip Waldent
This is probably the most famous Chimney in the world ! We're eating Strawberry Twizzlers and looking at it now and I'm completely amazed ! Take the time to really absorb everything in the Niagara area. There is something interesting in every corner of Western New York's precious gem of a City surrounded by beautiful blue topaz water. Niagara Falls gets put down a lot but it's really a great place...
Bradley Garness
Great place to pull over and stretch your legs. Nice parking lot and an easy walk over to the old Stone Chimney which has an interesting history that is worth reading.
When is the best time to visit Old Stone Chimney (Niagara Falls, United States)?
In summer, arrive early to avoid heat and bring sunscreen. In winter, the Gorge trail can ice over—wear microspikes and check park alerts.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | USD 0 |
| Bike rental (per trip) | USD 3 |
| Total Estimated | USD 3 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Old Stone Chimney
Address: Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
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About Old Stone Chimney
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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