What class of rapids is the Niagara River?

White Water Walk offers a first-hand lesson in the raw power and peril of the Niagara River's Class 6 whitewater rapids, some of the wildest in North America.



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What classes of rapids are in the Niagara River?
  • Class I: Easy. Waves small; passages clear; no serious obstacles.
  • Class II: Medium. Rapids of moderate difficulty with passages clear. ...
  • Class III: Difficult. ...
  • Class IV: Very difficult. ...
  • Class V: Extremely Difficult. ...
  • Class VI: Unrunnable.


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Near the brink of the Falls, a speed of 109 km/h has been recorded. As the water travels through the Whirlpool Rapids at White Water Walk, it is traveling at about 48 km/hr or 30 mph, creating the Whirlpool Rapids – “Class 6 white-water rapids”.

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Whirlpool Rapids Gorge—Niagara River, New York The Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory rapids. As the water travels through, it reaches about 30 mph, creating the Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most extreme in the entire world.

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The rapids above the falls reach a maximum speed of 40 km/hr or 25 mph, with the fastest speeds occur at the falls themselves (recorded up to 68 mph.) The water through the Whirlpool Rapids below the falls reaches 48 km/hr or 30 mph, and at Devil's Hole Rapids 36km/hr.

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The Niagara Gorge is a deadly section of exploratory rapids. As the water travels through, it reaches about 30 mph, creating the Class 6 Whirlpool Rapids, some of the most extreme in the entire world.

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William J. Kendall, a policeman from Boston Mass. swam the Whirlpool Rapids on August 22, 1886. He wore only his swimming trunks and a cork life preserver.

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While most people can raft Class 4 rapids for their first time, there are several requirements. The minimum age to raft Class 4 rivers, depending on the river and company, is 12-14 years old. Many Class 4s recommend that you are in good physical condition, on the adventurous side, and know how to swim.

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Upper Tuolumne River (Cherry Creek), California Cherry Creek is the gold standard for Class V and is the hardest section of commercially rafted whitewater in the United States. Rapids like Mushroom (V), Toadstool (V), and Lewis's Leap (V) challenge even the most experienced river guides.

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You'll have class three and class five rapids, accompanied by calm pools and a beautiful waterfall. There are guided tours and full-day trips, including a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.

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Great Falls of the Potomac River is a major set of rapids located about 15 miles upstream of Washington, DC. The main Falls lines drop fifty feet in one-tenth of a mile, creating a Class V+ set of waterfalls.

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Class IV Rapids - Whitewater with Obstacles and More Technical Skills » Larger waves, narrow passages, and multiple obstacles to avoid requiring precise maneuvering to avoid upset.

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These rapids are often best saved for those who have rafted before, but that doesn't necessarily rule out the first-time adventure-seekers. If you're in great shape and ready for a physical and mental challenge, you may be ready for Class IV rapids rafting trip on your first river expedition.

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Located near North Carolina's southern boundary, the Green River (a French Broad tributary) is 60 miles long. It's highly regarded for whitewater sports, with great runs for novices (Class II-III) and experienced rafters (Class V).

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The Grand Canyon is rated Class IV with few Class V rapids and numerous Class I – III rapids as well.

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Futaleufu River, Chile A number of river rafting pros and enthusiasts consider it to be one of the most challenging rapids in the world. The white water rafting river is ensconced in the valleys of brooding cliffs. Especially, the Upper Section of the Futaleufu River is navigated by only expert rafters.

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As outlined above, the majority of the rapid systems in the Grand Canyon are rated as Class III rapids. However, the two largest rapids on the Colorado River, Crystal Rapid and Lava Falls, are often rated as Class IV+ rapids.

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Niagara Falls Facts The sound of the Falls has been described as thunder, and is caused by air bubbles breaking as they are slammed up and out of the water. The plunge pool beneath the falls is 35m(100 feet) deep. It is estimated that Niagara Falls erodes at the rate of 1foot per year.

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On August 6, 1918, a dumping scow broke loose from its towing tug in the rapids of the upper Niagara River with Gustav F. Lofberg and James H. Harris aboard. The men opened the bottom dumping doors and the scow grounded in the shallow rapids, only 600 metres from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls.

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