The best walks and hikes around Buffalo

Yes, many parks around Buffalo welcome dogs. Knox Farm State Park is a particularly popular choice, offering over 600 acres of meadows and forests, plus a dedicated dog park for off-leash fun. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash on the main trails and to clean up after them.

The region is famous for its waterfalls. A must-see is the Eternal Flame Falls in Chestnut Ridge County Park, where a natural gas flame flickers behind a waterfall. For a different experience, Akron Falls County Park features a lovely trail along Murder Creek leading to a stunning limestone waterfall.

The Buffalo area has numerous accessible trails perfect for beginners. The Sunderbruch Park loop — Davenport is a great option, offering a straightforward walk through a pleasant park setting. Another excellent choice is the Tifft Nature Preserve, which has about 5 miles of flat, easy-to-follow trails through marshland and forest.

Definitely. Many local parks are ideal for family outings. The Fort Armstrong via Riverfront Trail — Davenport is a gentle, paved path that is great for all ages. Additionally, Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve offers easy, flat trails and educational exhibits that are engaging for children.

Yes, winter hiking is a popular activity. Many trails, like those in Chestnut Ridge Park and Knox Farm State Park, are beautiful in the snow and are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Just be sure to dress in warm layers and wear appropriate footwear with good traction, as trails can be icy.

For a more adventurous hike, head to the Niagara Gorge. The trails at Devil's Hole State Park descend into the gorge, offering strenuous climbs and incredible views of the river rapids. Zoar Valley also provides a wilder experience with its dramatic cliffs and old-growth forests, suited for experienced hikers.

Loop trails are great for exploring without backtracking. The Wildcat Den State Park loop from Buffalo is a favorite, taking you through a scenic state park. For a lakeside walk, the West Lake Park loop — Davenport offers a pleasant, paved circuit around the water.

Many of the best hiking spots are free to access. The North Buffalo Rails to Trails offers a long, scenic path perfect for a walk or run at no cost. County parks like Chestnut Ridge and Akron Falls also typically offer free admission for hiking, though some state parks may have a vehicle entrance fee during peak season.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trails, which include many paved paths and gentle park loops. The unique natural features, like the Eternal Flame Falls and the powerful Niagara Gorge, are also frequently mentioned as highlights.

There are dozens of trails to explore in and around Buffalo. This guide features a curated selection, but the komoot community has mapped over 80 different routes, ranging from short park walks to longer, more challenging treks through state parks and nature preserves.

For spectacular views of the Niagara River, the trails within the Niagara Gorge are unparalleled. Devil's Hole State Park provides trails along the gorge rim and down towards the water, offering dramatic vistas of the rapids. For a more serene river experience, Buckhorn Island State Park has flat trails that meander along the river's edge.