If measured along the jagged lip of the falls, the crest is about 950 feet (290 m) long (but see coastline paradox).

One can view the falls from the bank of the river, as well as on Goat Island and Luna Island, which are accessible by a pedestrian bridge that crosses the rapids of the Niagara River upstream from the falls.

The ledge of the American Falls is shaped in a modified "W" form, caused by numerous rock falls over the past 150 years which have resulted in the huge mound of rock at its base.

The most notable recent rockfall occurred in 1954 with the collapse of Prospect Point to the north.

Results conflict as to whether tourist attendance that season was higher or lower than normal.