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Behind the Lens: America’s Oldest -- and Probably Wettest -- State Park

Photos and musings from our photographer.

People pose for photos next to Niagara's Bridal Veil Falls.
(David Kidd)
Niagara Falls State Park is America’s oldest state park -- and certainly one of the wettest.

Established in 1885, the park replaced unsightly commercial and industrial development that had encroached on the famous cataracts, blocking access and views. Today, thanks to a series of wooden walkways and decks, park visitors can get within a few feet of Niagara’s Bridal Veil Falls.

Because it would never survive the massive ice that builds up in winter, the wooden structure is dismantled every autumn to be cleaned, repaired and put into storage. After the spring thaw, soaking-wet workers reconstruct the walkway as frigid water splashes around them.

The structure is wedged into crevices in the rocks without anchors or bolts, and no two walkways are exactly alike from year to year.

David Kidd is a photojournalist and storyteller for Governing. He can be reached at dkidd@governing.com.
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