9 Easy Hikes Around Buffalo You’ll Want To Knock Off Your Summer Bucket List
It’s always a good idea to stretch your legs after you’ve spent substantial time exploring Buffalo beaches and enjoying your favorite summertime sweets, but we don’t want to get too crazy here. Buffalo summers can be brutally humid, which is why we prefer to ease into our outdoor exercise. Here are nine of the best hikes in Buffalo that are also nice and easy. You’ll want to knock these off your summer bucket list ASAP.
Tifft Nature Preserve is one of our favorite places to be year-round, and it's especially beautiful in the summer. This is one of the best short hikes around Buffalo when you prefer a quiet stroll through nature. Of the five trails at Tifft Nature Preserve, the longest one is 0.5 miles; however, they all intersect, so you can choose the distance that's right for you.
When you want to explore a bit of the waterfront, head to Wilkeson Pointe. This is one of the shortest and most kid-friendly hikes around Buffalo, but the views you get as a reward for your efforts are incredible!
Speaking of beautiful places to hike... Burchfield Nature & Art Center is a truly unique experience. Take in the art along the trails as you hike! The park only covers 19 acres, and if you hiked every single trail, this distance would only be about two miles. We told you it was short and sweet!
The trail to reach the waterfall is relatively short at only 1.2 miles, though you will have to watch your footing as there are roots and rocks along the way.
Letchworth State Park has several trails to choose from based on your experience level. While the terrain varies, the views within this park are guaranteed to amaze. They call it the Grand Canyon of the East for a reason!
Chase some waterfalls at Akron Falls Park. This is one of the more popular of the scenic hikes in Buffalo. Once you see the views and enjoy a walk on the groomed trails, you'll see why.
7. Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr, Depew, NY 14043, USA
It takes a bit of navigating to find this park tucked away near UB, but once you arrive, you'll feel like you've discovered a hidden gem! Walton Woods features beautiful water and peaceful trails. Along with being one of the best hikes around Buffalo, it's also a great place to picnic! The loop trail here is only 1.9 miles long.
Last, but certainly not least, Royalton Ravine County Park is a must-visit for your hiking family! This secret park in Buffalo offers several easy trails to guide you through the park, making this a great place to practice those trekking skills.
Where are your favorite easy hikes in Buffalo? Let us know so we can lace up our hiking boots and join you on the trails!
Address: 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
Address: 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, NY 14203
Address: 225 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, NY 14203
Address: 2001 Union Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224, USA
Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
Address: 44 Parkview Dr, Akron, NY 14001, USA
Address: Walton Woods Park, 400 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY, Walton Woods Trailway, Buffalo, NY 14228, USA
Address: Gasport Road, Gasport Rd, Gasport, NY, USA
Address: Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY, USA
Address: Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr, Depew, NY 14043, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Buffalo
June 30, 2022
Sara Dager
What are the best free things to do in Buffalo?
Queen City has lots of fun and free activities perfect for the whole family and friend groups of all ages! Some of the awesome free things to do in Buffalo include a visit to the observation deck in city hall for sweeping views of the city, and at ground level you can visit the Shark Girl statue at Canalside. A tour of the breath taking Our Lady of Victory Basilica is also always free and truly a sight to behold. If you are looking to stay in the fresh air, you can check out our list of free outdoor activities in Buffalo.
Which hidden gems in Buffalo should I visit?
There are lots of hidden gems in Buffalo that will allow you to experience fun and local adventure without the crowds that you often find in the city. If you are looking for some underrated places in Buffalo to check out, you can start at the always exciting CEPA Gallery. This spot highlights contemporary arts and is sure to inspire you with its collection of photography and visual arts. Since it’s situated at the top of a mall, you can even fit in some shopping afterwards. Or maybe nature is more your thing than art? Then you’ll definitely want to take a hike along the stunning Whirlpool Rapids trail. The clear blue water and impressive views are sure to take your breath away.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Buffalo?
Some of the best lakes around Buffalo are utterly idyllic and definitely a bit underrated. Of course Lake Eerie and Lake Ontario (which technically belongs to Canada but does graze our shores,) are obviously the best known, but you can also take a dip in one of the 11 finger lakes that are all a nearby drive to Buffalo. Or perhaps you want something truly low key, then a dip in Darien Lake, just forty minutes outside of Buffalo might be perfect for you. Despite its proximity to Six Flags, the setting is actually very charming and quite quiet. And if you still haven’t gotten enough of water views, then you can choose to dine right on lake Eerie at one of these delectable waterfront restaurants in Buffalo.
Address: 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
Address: 1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, NY 14203
Address: 225 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, NY 14203
Address: 2001 Union Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224, USA
Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
Address: 44 Parkview Dr, Akron, NY 14001, USA
Address: Walton Woods Park, 400 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY, Walton Woods Trailway, Buffalo, NY 14228, USA
Address: Gasport Road, Gasport Rd, Gasport, NY, USA
Address: Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY, USA
Address: Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr, Depew, NY 14043, USA
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Samantha Jo is a freelance copywriter, proofreader, and social media manager. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys drinking coffee, crafting, camping, blogging at kinandkindling.com, and sipping only the finest of boxed wines – not necessarily in that order.
