Time is running out, Buffalo! If you want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air before it becomes frigid, we recommend doing it soon... and we highly recommend doing it here. This one hikeable lake near Buffalo is simply breathtaking in the fall. Read on to learn more, then grab your hiking boots and bundle up to experience it for yourself!
Flattail Lake can be found at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, located at 93 Honorine Drive in Depew.
Reinstein Woods is a 292-acre nature preserve, with 2.8 miles of public trails that are great for hiking! The most popular trails take you up close and personal to the preserve's beautiful lake.
The trails are open daily – for free – from sunrise to sunset.
While the days are getting shorter here in Western New York, there's still ample time to enjoy a hike at Reinstein Woods! The preserve features free access, a large parking lot, and a public restroom for added convenience.
You'll see plenty of animals here – but please leave your pets at home.
Hiking is enjoyable with our furry friends nearby, but there are no dogs allowed at Reinstein Woods. Biking is also prohibited, but once you hit the trails on foot, we promise you won't mind!
Flattail Lake and Reinstein Woods are especially beautiful in the fall.
We're past peak foliage, but that doesn't mean there isn't still a ton of beauty to appreciate here! Many hikers enjoy looking up through the still-colorful leaves and watching for wildlife and bird sightings.
When we say picturesque, we mean REALLY picturesque.
Flattail Lake photographs nicely, wouldn't you agree? Along with being nearly picture-perfect, the conditions of the trails are easily navigable. Wide, flat, and dry terrain (with a couple minor exceptions) makes this lake hike manageable for most skill levels.
If you want to explore Reinstein Woods on a deeper level, sign up for a guided tour.
The Environmental Education Center hosts free guided tours and themed hikes for those looking to explore the area in more detail. Some of the guided tours even include evening hikes, so you can see the park after dark!
We recommend getting here soon if you want to see the foliage, but there's no real reason to rush out.
Reinstein Woods is open year-round and is also a great spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The fun never ends!
Have you been to Reinstein Woods in the fall? Tell us your favorite part of the preserve in the comments below, and be sure to tag us in any photos of the breathtaking Flattail Lake on Instagram @onlyinbuffalo!
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