As much as we enjoy all of the amazing perks that come along with living inside of one of New York State's largest cities, there are plenty of times here in Buffalo where we find ourselves craving more secluded spaces. While we certainly have the luxury of enjoying the views of Lake Erie so close to home, if you find yourself wanting to explore even more amazing natural wonders, there's no better place to look than all around you here in Western New York. If you don't believe us, just take a look at our list below!

1. Akron Falls Park

Less than 30 miles east of Buffalo, Akron Falls Park is one of our favorite destinations to visit when we're looking to chase some of Western New York's lesser-known waterfalls. Inside the park, you'll find all sorts of ways to enjoy the outdoors, but a short but sweet hiking trail will lead you to this roughly 40-foot-tall waterfall. Woah!

2. Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve

Ready to spend time outdoors and explore Western New York's history? Well, look no further than the Penn Dixie Fossil Park! A great place to keep on your bucket list, all it takes is a 15-minute car ride south of Buffalo to start digging for fossils like a true explorer.

3. Panama Rocks Scenic Park

As soon as you begin to explore Panama Rocks Scenic Park in Panama, you'll feel as though someone just picked you up and dropped you into a fairytale. An easy and fun place to hike through, you'll find yourself surrounded by towering mossy rock formations that will leave you completely in awe.

4. Niagara Falls State Park

As one of the most visited state parks in New York State, we as Buffalonians are spoiled to have such an incredible state park and natural wonder so close to home. While others may travel from all around the world to see our powerful waterfalls cascading down along the river, all it takes for us is a scenic drive north to enjoy this epic natural wonder!

5. Eternal Flame Falls

One of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls that you'll ever lay your eyes on, no matter how many times we as Buffalonians visit Eternal Flame Falls, its beauty will never cease to amaze us. The only waterfall within New York State that you'll find with an actual flame inside of it, it's a no-brainer as to why this natural wonder made our list.

6. Tifft Nature Preserve

A gem that you can find right here in the city, Tifft Nature Preserve is one of our favorite outdoor spaces to explore when we're craving some time out along the lakefront. Covering more than 264 acres, if you're ready to soak in the sights of Lake Erie, as well as the rest of the preserve's scenic spaces, then you won't want to forget about this Buffalo nature preserve.

7. Letchworth State Park

Last but not least, it's the Grand Canyon of the East! Consistently ranked as one of the best state parks in all of America, Letchworth State Park is more than worth the hour-long drive it takes to reach from the city of Buffalo and it's easy to see why.

So, tell us, which of these gems do you hope to visit first? Or, have you checked off all of these spots yet?