Is Goat Island worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely worth it. Goat Island is the best spot in the entire park to actually feel the falls without fighting crowds on the main tourist strip. You walk right up to the brink of both Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls, and the view of Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point is unbeatable. Parking is $10 at the main lot, and it's free to walk on the island itself. If you skip this, you're basically just seeing postcards.

The Cave of the Winds tour is on Goat Island, and it's the only way to get soaked at the base of Bridal Veil Falls. It's about $22 per person, and they give you sandals and a poncho—you will get wet, so bring a dry bag for your phone. The Hurricane Deck at the bottom is the closest you can legally get to the falls without a boat. Do this over the Maid of the Mist if you want a more intense, up-close experience.

One pro tip: go early morning (before 9 AM) or after 5 PM to avoid the worst crowds. The island is small—you can see everything in under 2 hours. Don't bother with the snack bar; it's overpriced and mediocre. Pack a sandwich and eat on one of the benches near the rushing water. Skip the "Three Sisters Islands" part unless you need a quiet walk—it's just more river views.