Here Are The 6 Most Incredible Natural Wonders Hiding Around Buffalo

Penn Dixie is a 54-acre site that features paleontology, geology, astronomy, ecology, and ornithology learning opportunities. Ranked as the #1 fossil park in the United States, bring the family south of the city in Hamburg to collect fossils from over 380 million years ago!

Take the 90 minute trip to Panama Rocks between May and October to explore the 1-mile hiking trail along a ridge of 60-foot high rock formations, caves, and passageways through an "ancient forest." Guests are also encouraged to explore off the trails and pack a picnic lunch to spend the day.

Times Beach Nature Preserve is located in downtown Buffalo on the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River. Visitors to the preserve enjoy bird watching, taking photos of the many insects that populate Times Beach, and learning about urban ecology and biodiversity through guided tours and special programs.

Open year-round, Akron Falls is a great place to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! In the summer months, bring your bike to explore trails through the woods, take a hike, or play a game of basketball or tennis on the park's courts. Don't forget to bring your camera in the fall to capture the lush leaves and peacefulness of the stream. Bundle up during the winter months for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sledding!

Reinstein Woods consists of 292 acres of wildlife, woods, and wetlands in Depew, NY. Similar to Tifft Nature Preserve, Reinstein Woods is a great place for a leisurely stroll or to snap a few photos of the beautiful surroundings! Visitors can also choose to take a guided tour to learn more about the preserve.

Getting to Rock City Park from Buffalo requires another mini road trip, but it's well worth it to check out these giant quartz conglomerates. This park in Olean, NY consists of hiking trails through giant rocks and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year.