Walk to the islands.

The walking path across the pedestrian bridge is faster, cheaper, and gives you better views. The shuttle and tram both require waiting and stop short of the best spots on Goat Island.

The pedestrian bridge from the main entrance at Prospect Point drops you right onto Goat Island. It’s a ten-minute walk, tops. You pass the top of the American Falls on the way. No lines, no schedules, no one telling you to sit down. The shuttle does the same route but only goes to the visitor center parking lot—you still have to walk from there. The tram loops around the island but runs infrequently and you’ll miss half the scenery cause you’re looking at the back of someone’s head.

Unless you have a mobility issue or are pushing a double stroller up a mountain, just walk.