Family-Friendly Hikes in WNY

Where to take Kids Hiking in WNY!

In addition to the list below, you can also use the Erie County parks locator to find a park or trail close to your home.  Here’s a link.  Plug in your zip code to generate a list.

Akron Falls Park, Akron

The trails at Akron Falls Park run alongside a waterfall and lake and allow access to a scenic rock garden. There are a number of playgrounds and picnic areas throughout the park.

Amherst State Park, Williamsville

Approximately 80 acres of park land featuring 8 nature trails running through woodland, meadows, and along scenic Ellicott Creek. Free family-friendly “walk and talks” are held every Sunday at 2pm.

Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island

950 acre park with a sandy beach for swimming, nature trails, and a nature center. Beaver Island also offers playgrounds and picnic areas.

Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, North Java

A 324-acre nature preserve, encompassing ponds, woods, meadows, wetlands, an arboretum, and 8 miles of hiking trails.

Bond Lake Park, Lewiston

Bond Lake Park spans an area containing five lakes and features 13 miles of cross-country trails. A Nature Center within the park is open every Sunday from noon to 4pm.

Burchfield Nature & Art Center, West Seneca

A 29 acre park offering nature trails, woods, gardens, and playgrounds. Art exhibitions, concerts, and workshops are held at the Art Center.

Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park

Chestnut Ridge is an extensive 1231 acre park with hiking trails and children’s play areas. It is also home to the famous Eternal Flame Falls, accessible via a marked trail.

Darien Lakes State Park, Darien Center

This state park features hiking trails and a 12-acre lake complete with sandy beaches and an island accessible by bridge to picnic on.

Devil’s Hole State Park, Niagara Falls

Devil’s Hole Trail traverses the Niagara Gorge and affords views of rapids along the river.

Evangola State Park, Irving

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Evangola State Park not only provides opportunities to hike but also to swim and picnic beside the lake.

Genesee County Park and Forest, East Bethany

Hiking trails at Genesee County Park run through a 430-acre forested area. Pavilions and playgrounds are also on site.

Golden Hill State Park, Barker

Parkland along Lake Ontario offers nature trails and hiking. Walking tours of historic Thirty Mile Lighthouse are also available.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Basom

Described as one of Western New York’s “best kept secrets,” Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge features 4 hiking trails open year round and 4 scenic overlooks. Nesting bald eagles can be seen from Cayuga Marsh overlook.

Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora

Former country estate featuring hiking and nature trails as well as guided nature walks.

Letchworth State Park, Castile

Known as “the Grand Canyon of the East” Letchworth offers 66 miles of hiking trails through one of the most beautiful areas of the eastern USA.

Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls

Get a new view of the Falls and Niagara River by taking one of several hikes along the Niagara Gorge. The State Park Discovery Center is located conveniently near the Niagara Aquarium.

Panama Rocks Scenic Park, Panama, NY

Panama Rocks features trails, towering rocks, deep crevices and passageways, cool, cavernous dens, and small caves! There is a lot to see and do here.  Their website says they are more of an “attraction” than a park.

Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, Depew

Trails at Reinstein Woods run through forests and alongside ponds and wetlands. Free guided tours and special programming are available.

Royalton Ravine Park, Royalton

Royalton Ravine Park is home to a waterfall, suspension footbridge, and historic homestead ruins. Open Memorial Day through the end of September.

Sprague Brook Park, Glenwood

Sprague Brook offers a number of hiking trails as well as ponds and picnic areas. Fishing is permitted.

Stony Brook State Park, Stony Brook, NY (About 90 minutes from Buffalo)

Visitors can hike rim, gorge or nature trails, play tennis on park courts, or picnic.

Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo

Tifft Nature Preserve, managed by the Buffalo Museum of Science, offers 5 miles of nature trails and several boardwalks adjacent to wetland areas. Guided walks are held on Thursdays from 10-12pm for a $2 donation.