Devil's Hole Cave - Lewiston, NY
Posted by: 
Rayman
N 43° 08.055 W 079° 02.729
17T E 658964 N 4777577
A small limestone cave can be found in the wall of the Niagara Gorge 4 miles downstream from Niagara Falls.
Waymark Code: WM2Z3T
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 01/13/2008
Views: 149
Also known as "The Cave of the Evil Spirit" by early Seneca Indians, a small limestone cave is carved into the side of the wall of the Niagara Gorge. It was so named because subsequent disaster would come to any one who dared enter the cave. LaSalle in 1679, in spite of this warning, entered it and to this trip the Indians attributed his subsequent misfortunes and murder all within the following two years.
The area above the cave along the edge of the gorge was also the site of a bloody massacre on September 14, 1763. On this date, a British supply convoy was heading south from Fort Niagara and was suddenly ambushed by a group of Seneca Indians while traveling over what was then the dome of the cave. People were killed, and their bodies along with the wagons and horses were thrown over the side of the cliff into the gorge. Upon hearing of this news, a rescue party from nearby responded, and they were ambushed as well and suffered the same fate.
Based on research, it appears the cave was much taller and deeper in the past. Due to the constant settling and crumbling of the gorge walls, the entrance to the cave is now about 6' and it goes in an estimated 25'.
To get to the cave, you'll need to descend about 1/3 of the way into the gorge from Devil's Hole State Park. A sign on the way down will lead you partially back up to the cave. It is very apparent it is a hangout for parties as evidence by the trash, fire pit and grafitti.
Type of Land: State Park
Managed By: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Contact Info: (716) 284-4691
Type of Cave: Crevice Cave
Website: Not listed
Contains Stalactites: Not Listed
Contains Stalagmites: Not Listed
Contains Bats: Not Listed
Price of Admission: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please include a digital photograph of the cave which documents your visit and any information that may be helpful for future visitors.