Amherst State Park is a refreshing green space nestled in the overwise rather developed town of Amherst. Formerly under the ownership of the Sisters of St. Francis, the 80 acres now making up the park offer a wildlife sanctuary for people and animals alike.
This hidden gem is best accessed through a parking lot at 390 Mill St, Buffalo, NY, 14221. Parking is free. The lot is adjacent to a beautiful Gothic revival style building formerly housing the holy sisters. When parking is scarce, there is a second access area off Reist Road, next to Fredonia Place assisted living facility.
Ellicott creek is the highlight of the park and contributes greatly to the local topography. The majority of the park rests on the flood plain of this creek. The well maintained paved/gravel trail runs down the center of the park. Large open grasslands greet visitors as they enter the park on each side of the trail. Deer thrive throughout the park and are commonly seen grazing in these open spaces. Coyotes have even been sighted in the park as well!
A bridge connects the north-south areas of the park, spanning across the Ellicott Creek. The creek is a favorite for local anglers, and you will often see them trying their luck along the banks. Near the bridge, smaller nature trails spread like tendrils throughout the wooded portions of the park. These dirt paths are favorites of bird watches and offer further seclusion from the more heavily trodden main trail. Following these paths will bring you to plentiful glades of lush low lying plants, blanketing the forest floor. Smaller brooks meander through the landscape, emptying into Ellicott Creek as well.
The southern portion of the park consists of mixed grasslands and marsh. This area can get soggy so plan accordingly. As you walk south across the bridge, turn left and follow the grass paths to explore this region. Swifter waters of Ellicott creek help to drown out the hustle and bustle of the park’s urban exterior. Several well trodden access points along the creek, allow visitors to enjoy the running waters in perfect solitude. One such access point even has a swing hanging from an overlying branch.
Amherst State Park is a small but popular outdoor space just northeast of Buffalo, New York. You will often encounter visitors enjoying fishing, hiking, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, and dog walking at their leisure. Please note dogs must be on leash at all times. The park is relatively flat and the well maintained primary trail makes the area accessible for all types of people. I recommend you take the time to visit Glen Park as well. This gem is less than a mile down the road and offers beautiful views of Glen Falls!
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