The water in the Niagara River is squeezed from the wide Falls into a narrow channel called the Great Gorge, creating the Whirlpool Rapids, which can be viewed from observation decks on the White Water Walk. The water makes a 90-degree turn as it empties into the mile-long Gorge. Traveling at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, similar to Class VI whitewater rapids, the water riles through the Gorge before opening into the more serene, lower Niagara River.