Journey Behind the Falls is the safer, drier bet.

If you want to stay relatively dry and don’t want to worry about seasonal closures, go with Journey Behind the Falls. Cave of the Winds is a soaking, slippery, summer-only experience.

Wetness: Journey Behind the Falls lets you stand behind falling water, but you’re mostly in a tunnel with windows – you get mist, not a shower. Cave of the Winds puts you right at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls with a poncho that’s basically a suggestion. You will get soaked head to toe.

Walkway stability: Journey Behind the Falls has concrete walkways that are smooth and dry inside the tunnel. Cave of the Winds uses wooden decks and metal stairs that get slick with constant spray – it’s manageable but you’ll be careful. Not great for anyone unsteady on their feet.

Seasonal closures: Journey Behind the Falls runs year-round (minus maintenance days). Cave of the Winds shuts down entirely for winter – usually late October to April. If you’re going in shoulder season or winter, Journey is your only option.

They’re both worth doing once, but pick based on how wet you want to get and when you’re visiting.