Many Niagara Gorge trails allow leashed dogs, but two don’t.

The short version: dogs are banned from the Whirlpool Rim Trail and Devil’s Hole Trail. Everywhere else—Gorge Trail, Rim Trail, the stairs—leash your dog (6 feet max) and carry out waste. No trash cans on the trails.

I’m not guessing here: New York State Parks explicitly prohibits pets on those two trails because of the steep cliffs and narrow paths. The Gorge Trail and Rim Trail are fine as long as the leash stays short. Waste bags go in your pack—there are no bins once you descend, and leaving a bag on the trail is a fine and a dick move.

If you want a clear reference, check the NY State Parks Niagara Gorge page before you go. But the rule of thumb is: stay off the Whirlpool Rim and Devil’s Hole if you’ve got a dog, and don’t be the person who leaves a plastic baggie sitting on a rock.