The best running trails in Erie County

The Fuhrmann Greenway offers a refreshing escape along Buffalo's Outer Harbor, providing a smooth, paved surface that's perfect for a continuous jog. As you move along the 9.3-mile (14.9 km) route, you'll be treated to expansive views of Lake Erie, the city skyline, and the impressive Buffalo Main Lighthouse. With only 104 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, this moderate trail is designed for quick, flatter running, making it an excellent choice for a 1 hour and 33 minute workout.

Planning your visit is easy, as the Fuhrmann Greenway is well-integrated into the Buffalo Outer Harbor development. The Fuhrmann Boulevard Pathway provides essential links, and the area is designed with pedestrian access in mind, suggesting convenient parking options. For an especially memorable experience, aim for an evening run to catch the spectacular sunset over the water, a unique sight for a Great Lakes city.

This greenway is more than just a jogging path; it's a vital connection point within a larger network, linking to trails like the Niagara Greenway and the Empire State Trail. The Outer Harbor itself is a significant cultural landscape, rich in industrial and maritime history, and serves as a globally important habitat for birds and pollinators. It truly offers the majesty of the Great Lakes within an urban setting.

The Delaware Park loop offers a refreshing jogging experience through Buffalo's renowned green space, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. You'll wind past the tranquil Hoyt Lake, through open meadows, and alongside wooded sections, enjoying varied scenery that makes the 3.5-mile (5.7 km) route feel dynamic. With a minimal 79 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, this moderate loop is perfect for a quick 35-minute run, providing a pleasant escape into nature.

Parking is readily available around Delaware Park, making it convenient to access for your run. While the park is enjoyable year-round, consider visiting in the spring or fall for comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural beauty. For summer jogs, early mornings or late afternoons are best to beat the heat, ensuring a more comfortable experience on the trails.

Delaware Park is celebrated as the "jewel" of Buffalo's Olmsted park system, a nationally recognized "greatest place in America." Beyond the natural beauty, the park integrates significant cultural institutions like the Buffalo Zoo and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, adding a unique blend of recreation and culture to your outing. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a scenic, accessible, and historically rich jogging destination.

The Tonawanda Rails to Trails offers a pleasant and varied jogging experience across its predominantly flat, paved, and crushed gravel surfaces. You'll journey through a mix of residential and commercial areas, past schools and parks, and into more tree-lined sections, with a highlight being the old railroad bridge crossing Ellicott Creek. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like turkeys and various bird species as you enjoy the accessible pathway.

Planning your jog is easy, with multiple parking options available at spots like Ives Park, Walter M. Kenney Field, and Lincoln Park. The trail is well-maintained with clear signage and safety features like HAWK signals at major intersections, making it a stress-free choice for a run. It's an excellent option for those looking for a consistent, easy route without significant elevation changes.

This trail is built on the historic rail bed of the NY & Erie RR, dating back to the 1880s, giving it a unique historical context. It seamlessly connects to the North Buffalo Rails to Trails, expanding your options, and is designed to be wheelchair accessible, making it truly inclusive. The 8.7-mile (14.1 km) route, with only 56 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete.

The Greenway Nature Trail & Fuhrmann Boulevard Side Path loop offers a refreshing escape with urban and natural waterside scenery right in Buffalo, New York. This 3.6-mile (5.9 km) paved pathway is perfect for a quick jog, featuring minimal elevation gain of just 47 feet (14 metres) and taking around 36 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy continuous views of the Outer Harbor and the city skyline, with notable spots like Wilkeson Point providing excellent vantage points to take it all in. Despite its moderate difficulty rating, the flat terrain makes it surprisingly accessible for most.

Planning your visit is easy, as parking is readily available along Fuhrmann Boulevard. This multi-use path is dog-friendly, though you'll need to keep your furry friend on a leash. It's an ideal route for a casual outing, offering a pleasant environment for jogging, walking, or cycling, especially during pleasant weather when the views are at their best.

What makes this loop stand out is how much scenery it packs into a relatively short distance. It's a fantastic option for those seeking an easy, high-payoff outdoor activity without venturing far from the city. The trail's accessibility to the Outer Harbor also means you might spot fishermen or commercial boaters, adding to the dynamic waterside atmosphere.

The Ridge Run, Cayuga, Indian, Seneca, & Aspen Grove Trail loop offers a refreshing jogging experience through varied parkland in Cheektowaga, New York. This moderate 4.0-mile (6.5 km) route features mostly accessible paths, making it a favorite among local runners. You'll enjoy the serene natural landscapes, especially around the Stiglmeier Park Trails, which provide a pleasant setting for your run. With only 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, it's a consistent and enjoyable workout that can be completed in about 44 minutes.

While specific parking information isn't detailed, this loop is highly popular, so consider an early start to secure a spot at the trailhead. The trail is generally suitable for jogging throughout the year, but seasonal conditions in Cheektowaga will influence your experience. Always check local weather before heading out to ensure a comfortable and safe run.

This loop stands out as a top choice for jogging in the Cheektowaga area due to its well-maintained terrain and moderate difficulty, attracting a high volume of positive user reviews. Its accessibility and pleasant parkland scenery make it an ideal option for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable outdoor workout. The trail's popularity underscores its reputation as a go-to spot for fitness and nature appreciation in the region.

Jog the moderate 8.0 miles (12.9 km) Lancaster Heritage Trail in New York, featuring varied scenery and a paved surface.

The History Trail offers a delightful 3.3-mile (5.3 km) jogging route, perfect for a quick escape into nature. With a mere 22 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, this moderate trail takes about 38 minutes to complete, guiding you through the serene Forest Trail within Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and past the tranquil Flattail Lake. It’s an ideal choice for a refreshing, low-impact run.

This accessible route is suitable for joggers of all levels, especially those looking for beginner jogging routes in the area. While specific parking details aren't provided, it's generally wise to arrive early on pleasant days to secure a spot. The trail is enjoyable throughout the year, but consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for the best weather and fewer crowds.

Located in Cheektowaga, New York, this trail provides a unique blend of physical activity and natural immersion. Its name suggests a potential for historical markers or points of interest, making your jog more engaging than just a workout. It’s a great option if you're seeking less crowded jogging trails near the History Trail region, offering a peaceful alternative to busier paths.

Imagine a smooth, paved journey through Buffalo's vibrant green spaces, where the Jesse Kregel Pathway guides you alongside the gentle flow of Scajaquada Creek. This 5.4-mile (8.7 km) jogging route, rated moderate, offers a delightful escape, passing by Mirror Lake, Hoyt Lake, and the serene Japanese Gardens. With only 96 feet (29 metres) of elevation gain, it's a generally flat and easy experience, perfect for a refreshing run that takes about 53 minutes.

Planning your visit to the Jesse Kregel Pathway is straightforward, as it's easily accessible and connects key areas of Buffalo. The path is primarily paved, ensuring a comfortable surface for jogging, walking, or cycling. It's also a dog-friendly trail, so feel free to bring your leashed companion along for the journey, just be sure to clean up after them.

This pathway is more than just a trail; it's a crucial link that connects the Shoreline Trail to Olmsted's Delaware Park and Buffalo's Museum District. Conceived by avid runner Jesse Kregel, it allows you to navigate city streets without major road crossings, offering a continuous and enjoyable experience through diverse scenery, including forested lawns and even a maze within Delaware Park.

The Cheektowaga Bikepath offers a consistently smooth and flat jogging experience, perfect for those seeking an easy-to-navigate route. You'll move along a fully paved asphalt and concrete surface, winding through pleasant wooded sections and even alongside an active rail line for about 1.5 miles, offering a unique blend of nature and industrial interest. The minimal 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain over its 5.1 miles (8.2 km) means you can maintain a steady pace, making it a great option for a moderate 50-minute workout.

Accessing the trail is generally simple, with Raymond Park serving as one of the key access points where public restrooms are available. The path is wide enough to comfortably accommodate two-way traffic for joggers, walkers, and cyclists. If you're planning to bring your canine companion, dogs are welcome on the trail, provided they are kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

What truly sets this trail apart is its rich history as a