We all know the waterfall that calls Western New York home, but what about the small falls that are hiding around Buffalo? There are several hidden, local secrets that are a bit more of off-the-grid but provide just as much fun as the 8th Wonder of the World. While some are hidden right in our local villages, others call for a pair of hiking shoes to venture to. Instead of spending all your time googling “waterfalls near me,” just take a look below.

1. Glen Falls
5565 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221
John Piercy - Flickr
Hidden right behind Main Street in Williamsville is a small park with big views. Glen Falls is a quiet solace in a busy village. The trails in the park provide great views and opportunities to view wildlife such as Blue Herons and ducks. The park is filled with flowers, small streams, and interconnecting ponds that give it a zen-like feel. The waterfalls, which are easily visible from most of the park, are especially beautiful in the fall with the colorful backdrop and red mill, making it a popular location for prom and wedding photos. This park and falls are great for all ages!
2. Emery Park Falls
2084 Emery Rd, South Wales, NY 14139
Ryan Hallock - Flickr
Right off of the 400 and up the hill on Route 16 lies another hidden park in South Wales. Emery Park has two larger waterfalls for visitors to discover as well as many other activities such as hiking and frisbee golf. The largest of the falls, Emery Falls, has a 40 ft drop and can be viewed from the trails. North Emery Falls is also accessible from trails and features a 30 foot waterfall. Spring and fall are the best times to view these natural beauties, as water dries up in the summer months.

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3. Zoar Valley "12 Falls"
Zoar Valley, Persia, NY 14070, USA
CaptMikey9 - Flickr
We already mentioned the great hiking at Zoar Valley, but it’s also home to the second-highest vertical cliffs in Western New York, coming in at 415 feet high. Zoar Valley is sometimes referred to as "12 Falls" because… well… there are 12 waterfalls in the area. Zoar Valley is rich in history – there was a trading post there in the 1800s and in the 1960s, it was a popular spot for camping and nude sunbathing. While camping is outlawed in the area today, many people still gather at the falls to catch some rays (clothing optional) in the summer months. If you’re planning a visit to any one of the 12 falls, be sure you do some research. There are a few waterfalls off of Cattaraugus Creek that are located on private property.
4. Akron Falls Park
44 Parkview Dr, Akron, NY 14001
docpetre47 - flickr
Venture to Akron Falls Park and you’ll almost feel like you’re in a new world! The falls are 45 feet tall and drop into a beautiful body of water full of moss-covered boulders and rocks. The area surrounding the falls is filled with dense forest and the rippling sounds from Murder Creek (ominous name, pretty place). To experience more of this park, head to its west side to view the dam and Parkview Drive bridge.
5. Scoby Dam
11024 Scoby Rd, Springville, NY 14141
Linda DiDomizio - Flickr
Although it's not a natural waterfall, the water flow off of Scoby Dam is just as impressive. Scoby Dam is a 38-foot hydro-electrolic dam located outside the Village of Springville a few minutes off of the 219. The dam was built in the 1920s and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it's one of the more popular locations for steelhead trout fishing.

Where is your favorite waterfall in and around Buffalo? Share your favorite spots so we can skip out on that endless “waterfalls near me” search. You can also take this awesome waterfalls road trip to see some of the best waterfalls in New York state.

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Waterfalls Near Me

Sara Dager | April 22, 2022

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Buffalo is chock full of stunning lakes to the point that it can be a little dizzying making a choice! If you want to pick from a longer list, you can check out our article on the best lakes in Buffalo. If you only have time to visit one lake, then the most notable one in Buffalo is Lake Erie and it is for good reason. Lake Erie is one of America's great lakes and its shores touch multiple states as well as Canada. If you are looking to swim you can visit Lake Erie beach park for a dip, or just drive through the city to admire the lake from many different angles.

What are the most easily accessible hikes in Buffalo, New York?

If you are not the most experienced hiker, or have kids or older people along with you, you may be looking for a hike that is doable for everyone and whose trailhead can be reached without a lot of confusing turns on the GPS. Luckily there are lots of accessible hikes in Buffalo. A visit to Knox Farm State park is pretty hard to beat, with manicured trails and over 600 acres to explore, this is a great spot for the whole family to wander. You may also want to visit the Charles E Burchfield nature center to see some gorgeous art made with branches and explore the easy trails.

Does Buffalo, New York have any natural wonders?

There are so many breathtaking natural wonders in Buffalo and the surrounding areas just waiting to for you to discover them. Of course there is Niagara Falls, which is a big part of what Buffalo is known for, and definitely a must visit, but there is more to see! You can visit "the Grand Canyon of the East" at Letchworth State Park, or visit a slightly less busy but still incredibly awe inspiring waterfall at Akron Falls state park. Queen City seems to have an unending font of natural beauty in the form of waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails and more, you don't want to miss out!

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