The best walks and hikes around Buffalo

Yes, the Buffalo area is great for beginners. Most of the trails are rated as easy, featuring generally flat terrain. A good option is the Delaware Park and Public Golf Course loop, which is a short and pleasant walk through one of the city's main green spaces.

For a family outing, Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve is an excellent choice with its easy, flat trails around ponds. Another highly-regarded option is Knox Farm State Park, which offers over 600 acres of meadows and gentle paths, plus a dog park.

Many parks in the Buffalo area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary, so it's always best to check for leash rules before you go. Knox Farm State Park is particularly popular with dog owners as it features a dedicated dog park alongside its extensive trail network.

The region is famous for its gorges and waterfalls. For a truly unique experience, visit Eternal Flame Falls in Chestnut Ridge County Park to see a natural flame burning behind a waterfall. For more dramatic scenery, Letchworth State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," features three major waterfalls along the Genesee River.

While many local trails are easy, you can find more challenging hikes nearby. For a strenuous adventure, the trails descending into the Niagara Gorge at Devil's Hole State Park offer steep sections and incredible views of the river rapids. For a more rugged wilderness experience, Zoar Valley's deep gorges and old-growth forests provide a tougher challenge.

Hikers in Buffalo have several favorite spots that offer diverse scenery.

Tifft Nature Preserve: A popular urban wildlife refuge with five miles of flat trails through marshland, perfect for birdwatching.

Eternal Flame Falls: A famous destination in Orchard Park known for its unique waterfall with a natural gas flame.

Devil's Hole State Park: Offers world-class, challenging trails in the Niagara Gorge with views of the rapids.

North Buffalo Rails to Trails: A long, straight, and scenic path converted from an old railway line, great for a peaceful walk or run.

The main Tiff Nature Preserve loop is about 3.2 miles (5.2 km) long and typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk at a steady pace. It's a very flat and easy trail, so you can take your time to enjoy the wildlife.

Winter hiking can be beautiful, with many trails remaining accessible for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Knox Farm State Park is a popular spot for winter activities. When hiking to places like Eternal Flame Falls in winter, be prepared for icy and slippery conditions in the creek bed; proper footwear with good grip is essential.

Absolutely. The city's location on Lake Erie and the Niagara River provides several excellent waterfront hiking opportunities. The Unity Island Park and Bird Island Pier trail is a moderate 6.6-mile route that offers fantastic views along the river.

The trails around Buffalo are well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails and the surprising variety of scenery, from serene lakeside paths and urban parks to the dramatic beauty of nearby gorges and waterfalls.

For a quiet escape into nature, the Greenway Nature Trail at Lakeside Park offers a peaceful walk through woodlands. Tifft Nature Preserve is another great option, especially on weekdays, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature in its marsh and forest habitats.

Most state and county parks, such as Devil's Hole State Park and Knox Farm State Park, offer dedicated parking areas. For more urban trails or smaller preserves, parking may be on the street. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends, as popular spots like Eternal Flame Falls can get busy.