As a rust belt city formerly home to the second largest steel producing company in the world, Buffalo is not traditionally known as a point of interest for outdoor enthusiasts. Nonetheless, these top 5 hikes near Buffalo offer a refreshing alternative to all the other city experiences the greater Buffalo Niagara region has to offer! Now to the post!
Top Hikes Near Buffalo
Eternal Flame Falls Trail (22 minute drive)
No secret to native Buffalonians, the Eternal Flame continues to impress and baffle many of those who are lucky enough to visit. A gas leak located in the confines of a waterfall enshrined grotto, make the eternal flame a fascinating and truly unique wonder. Leave your car at the Eternal Flame Trailhead parking lot (42.702221, -78.747651) and begin your somewhat steep descent towards Shale Creek. On this 1.4 mile out and back hike, we recommend you BRING A LIGHTER (despite its name wind occasionally blows water on the flame, extinguishing it) and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. The final portion of the trail abuts and crosses the creek on several occasions and can get sloppy.
Highlights:
One of a kind Eternal Flamed tucked behind a waterfall!
Top Hikes Near Buffalo
Eighteen Mile Creek (22 minute drive)
Nestled in the quaint town of Hamburg, eighteen mile creek is a hidden gem we all need to experience. Enjoy a scenic drive, as you transverse along the top of the gorge via South Creek Road to arrive at Eighteen Mile Creek County Park (42.706329, -78.893163). From the parking area at the road’s end, enjoy this 4.2 mile out and back hike titled South Creek Trail as it gently descends through mature forests, past 2 waterfalls, and culminates along a more shallow branch of the creek. Along this top hike near Buffalo, we highly encourage you to take two quick detours from the main route to better experience and access the creek. The first is shown on all trails by this initial trail fork. The second takes you to the main creek at a shallow pool with a small waterfall that can be enjoyed depending on the time of year you are visiting. Bonus tip: swing by Hamburg Brewing on your way home for some post hike food and brews
Highlights:
Gorge views of Eighteen Mile Creek
Two small waterfalls depending on time of year
Top Hikes Near Buffalo
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve (16 minute drive)
Lacking the celebrity of some of the others on this list, Reinstein Woods continues to draw visitors back time and time again to re-explore and embrace the sense of effortless tranquility offered at this natural retreat. Formerly the private nature sanctuary of local conservationist Dr. Victor Reinstein, the preserve provides a diverse array of wetlands, ponds, and forests able to interest visitors of all types (and you’ll probably see deer). After parking at the main lot (42°53’28.8″N 78°43’04.4″W), we recommend you explore these short trails at your leisure but make sure to get a great view of Flattail lake from the Stone House on the History trail, experience the tranquility of hiking around Lower and Hidden pond, and traverse the short boardwalk near the parking area.
Highlights:
Lakeside lookout from the Stone House
Wildlife oasis in otherwise developed suburb
Top Hikes Near Buffalo
Knox Farm State Park (22 minutes away)
Few parks near Buffalo can compete with the offerings of Knox Farm. With accessible trails for a myriad of adventurous activities such as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, biking, hiking, and even horseback riding (with permit), this former country estate of the locally renowned Knox family is a must see for all outdoor enthusiasts. Just a 5 minute drive from the historic village of East Aurora, park your car just past the main entrance (42.776990, -78.642004) to start your day of exploring. Boasting grasslands, woodlands, ponds and wetlands over this 622 acre expanse, we recommend the more casual visitor review the park map prior to departure and try to enjoy as many different environments as possible. Bonus tip. Dogs love Knox Farm and are welcome to enjoy one of two dog parks (one reserved for small and the other for large dogs) as well as on trails if on 6 foot leash.
Highlights
Proximity to East Aurora
Diverse terrain of mature forests, sprawling fields, a small apple orchard, and a serene sense of country living
Top Hikes Near Buffalo
Whirlpool State Park Hike (30 minutes away)
Whether you are just stopping through or a seasoned Buffalonian, no sight in Western New York inspires awe like Niagara Falls. One trip to the falls is all the explanation required for why millions of people flock from all over the world to Western New York to take in this natural wonder, making Niagara Falls State Park consistently one of the most visited state parks in the country. Just 3 miles and an approximately 10 minute drive north of the Niagara State Park proper, sits a FREE top hike of western New York. Departing from the parking area at Whirlpool State Park (43°07’12.7″N 79°03’50.4″W), this 3.5 mile out and back hike begins on the scenic heights of the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail before descending down a number of stairs into the gorge below on the Whirlpool Rapids Loop. Total hike time for the 3.5 mile hike titled Niagara Gorge Rim Trail and Whirlpool Rapids Loop takes approximately 2 hours, however in our experience, halving this hike to about 1 hour total is an equally rewarding experience hitting all the highlights as well. There is an awesome area of large flat rocks by the water offering safe and unparalleled viewing of the rapids. This spot is a great turn around spot and an awesome place to relax and picnic!
Highlights
Niagara River Whirlpool views from both the top and bottom of the gorge
Scenic hike along the powerful rapids of the Niagara River
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