The Cave of the Winds attraction at Niagara Falls is closed earlier than expected after it was damaged by a small rockslide.
New York State Parks officials closed the natural attraction on Saturday, when it was originally set to close on Wednesday, when the Maid of the Mist will also stop operating for the season, according to the Associated Press.
Parks spokesmen believe the overnight rockslide was caused by heavy rains. The falling rocks caused damage to several gates and railings as well as the walking path to the attraction, according to the Niagara Gazette.
"It was probably four to six large rocks," Tom Watt, general manager of the Falls park told the Niagara Gazette. He believes the largest rock was about 18 inches in diameter and weighed about 200 pounds.
It appears that other rocks are set to fall as well, which could hurt visitors, so the attraction was shut down. Tourists won't be in danger as crews search and remove other potentially dangerous rocks.
Park officials occasionally have scaling crews search for loose rocks around the area. This crew is scheduled to remove any remaining loose rocks on Monday, according to the Gazette.
It is rare for large rocks to fall onto the path, but smaller rocks sometimes fall during the season.
"It's definitely out of the ordinary," Watt said.
The 130 foot high cave has been a big attraction since it opened in 1924. The Cave of the Winds attraction will reopen in the spring.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
