43North’s Shannon McCabe, loves to hike, just like many other Buffalonians. Fortunately, WNY is home to several awe-inspiring hiking trails that are just minutes from the heart of the Queen City. Looking to explore and admire these dreamlike landscapes?
Check out some of Shannon’s favorite WNY trails:
Tifft Nature Preserve
?Distance from Downtown: 0 miles
? Trail Length: 1.9 miles
Just seconds from the city, positioned on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor, Tifft Nature Preserve provides an oasis for those looking to take a step away from the city, without going very far. Enjoy views of the Queen City skyline, local wildlife, and a glimpse of Buffalo’s tech-hub and where our team is proud to call home, Seneca One Tower, from afar!
Buckhorn Island State Park
? Distance from Downtown: 14.4 miles
? Trail Length: 4.1 miles
Just minutes from downtown, in the northern end of Grand Island, the 895 acres of marshes, meadows, and woods. Visitors enjoy activities all year-round at the state park, where they are welcomed to hike, fish, bike, kayak, canoe, cross-country ski, and stroll across the nature trails. This family-friendly park is sure to keep you in awe!
Eighteen Mile Creek
?Distance from Downtown: 16.1 miles
? Trail Length: 4.2 miles
Serving as one of Buffalo’s natural wonders, this 466-acre undeveloped park offers a number of outdoor activities in all four seasons. In the summer, visitors can hike, fish, view wildlife, explore the many trails, and take a dip in the creek to cool off from that WNY heat. In winter Snowshoeing and hiking are a big hit as the park’s land is very flat above the gorge and between the North Branch and South Branch. Adventure awaits!
Eternal Flame Falls
?Distance from Downtown: 18.8 miles
? Trail Length: 1.4 miles
Located in the Shale Creek Preserve at Chestnut Ridge Park, this small waterfall is renowned as a phenomenon globally. In 2013, Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology studied this wonder in an attempt to better understand how this flame is naturally lit. Shannon has been hiking here forever and says the excitement never dulls. It is truly a sight to see, and quite literally the light at the end of the tunnel (trail)!
Zoar Valley
?Distance from Downtown: 33.0 miles
? Trail Length: 1.5 miles
Home to some of the tallest trees in the Northeast, Zoar Valley is a peaceful and scenic environmental haven just south of the Queen City. The 3,014-acre multiple-use area is renowned as one of the most ecologically diverse areas in Western New York. Zoar like an eagle!
Devil’s Hole State Park
?Distance from Downtown: 24.9 miles
? Trail Length: 2.4 miles
The wondrous state park overlooks the Devil’s Hole Rapids of the Niagara River. From above, the rapids appear rough and treacherous, rightfully so. As you make your way down the stone staircase which leads to the base of the gorge, you’ll find serene views and perfect spots for fishing (just be careful, the rocks are slippery). This picturesque park is one you won’t want to miss, and less than 5 miles away from one of the world’s natural wonders, Niagara Falls State Park!
Click here for a full list of hiking trails in WNY.