The Horseshoe Falls are the largest out of the three falls . It is named the Horseshoe Falls because it looks like a horseshoe . The Horseshoe Falls , which are approximately 2600 f wide , have also changed their shape through the process of erosion ; evolving from a small arch , to a horseshoe bend , to the present day gigantic inverted V. Just upstream from the falls ' current location , Goat Island splits the course of the Niagara River , resulting in the separation of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls to the west from the American and Bridal Veil Falls to the east .