New Yorkers have a few more weeks to hit the trails before winter kicks in, and there’s never been a better time to appreciate the changing leaves on a scenic hike upstate. Nearly every city in upstate New York is accessible to some incredible parks and landscapes, and Buffalo is no exception. Here are a few of our favorite parks and preserves near Buffalo that you’ll want to get out and explore before it gets too cold.
This gorgeous, 264-acre nature preserve has been a refuge and sanctuary for wildlife since 1972 after the city of Buffalo had planned to convert the area into a landfill. In addition to being a great place to hike, it's a haven for ecological study and restoration.
This preserve is conveniently located in the middle of suburban Buffalo and boasts nearly 300 acres of forest, wetlands, and green space. For people in Buffalo, it's the perfect spot to hit the trails right in your backyard. And come winter, it's an ideal area to snowshoe!
You won't find any other park on New York that has the sheer beauty of Zoar Valley. It's full of cliffs, waterfalls, a huge gorge and views that will keepers hikers exploring for hours on end. The Overlook Trail and Holcomb Pond Trail are a couple of highlights to check out.
This gorgeous spot overlooks the Devil's Hole Rapids and has no shortage of hiking trails, picnic areas, and overlooks. It's a great spot for fishing as well, or if you just want to relax by the rapids.
This park on the western edge of the state is home to the famous Eternal Flame Falls, where a small fire burns ceaselessly under a waterfall. It's one of the largest county parks in the United States and is known for being a popular destination for sledding come winter.
Another incredibly beautiful area near Buffalo is Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, which is the largest wildlife refuge in the state at nearly 11,000 acres. And of course, the famous Letchworth State Park is only around an hour from downtown Buffalo.
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