Dawn is the move.

Yes. Show up right at sunrise, or within the first hour after. You’ll avoid the crowds, and the rainbows are actually better in the morning because the sun is lower and hits the mist at the right angle.

Crowds at Niagara Falls State Park start building around 10 AM and peak midday. If you arrive at 7 AM (or earlier in summer), you’ll have the main viewpoints mostly to yourself. The rainbows form in the mist when the sun is behind you, so morning light from the east-facing observation areas gives you the classic arc over the falls. Afternoon sun can wash them out.

Bonus: you miss the heat and the souvenir shop influx. Just check sunrise time for the month you’re going, aim to be parked and walking toward the falls by then. You’ll be done exploring the core area before the first tour bus arrives.

Trust the early alarm on this one.