The winter months are infamous for causing a lack of motivation. We know it can be hard to get out when Mother Nature is being unkind, but don't let cold weather keep you from working up a sweat! Rather than packing on the pounds, try packing down some snow instead. These nine picturesque trails for winter hiking near Buffalo are perfect for the outdoorsy type! Winter in Buffalo has never been so fun ... or fit!

1. Tifft Nature Preserve

Tifft Nature Preserve is one of the best spots in Buffalo to unwind and recharge in nature. It's also one of the most popular spots for winter hiking. Trails at Tifft consist of 1.9 miles with a lake, bridges, and year-round opportunities to enjoy! It doesn't get much more beautiful than Tifft for most of the year; in the winter it's especially magical.

2. Chestnut Ridge Park

Chestnut Ridge Park clearly had to have a spot on this list! While there are plenty of trails to enjoy winter hiking here, the obvious favorite is the Eternal Flame Trail. That's one of those absolutely bonkers, bucket-list-worthy trails you'll only find here in New York (and, thankfully, close to Buffalo).

3. Reinstein Woods

Reinstein Woods trails run for roughly 2.5 miles and are open from sunrise to sunset daily. While we favor it in the fall, winter hiking at this nature preserve will take you up close and personal to forests, wetlands, and ponds. This wonderful hiking trail near Buffalo is short, easy, and wonderful! If you've never hiked Reinstein Woods, you've never lived - and if you've never hiked it during the winter, you're missing out.

4. Sprague Brook Park

For winter hiking south of the city, Sprague Brook Park is a popular option. This park is also wonderful for camping in NY in the summer months, but the trails here are best from February through November. Trek some (or all) of the 8.6-mile loop to discover all the area has to offer! This one is sure to go down in your favorites list to do again and again.

5. Erie County Forest Trail

The Erie County Forest Trail offers some of the most serene winter hiking around. Not only are the Scarbuck Trail and Extension Loops beautifully scenic, but there is also a warming hut and maple sugar shack located nearby. We're not sure it gets a whole lot better than that, honestly.

6. Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center

If nature's beauty isn't quite enough to convince you to take a winter hike, a visit to Burchfield Nature & Art Center should do the trick! This unique location consists of nature trails and woods along the Buffalo Creek, dotted with intricate artwork to brighten up the snowy landscape. Lovers of all things natural and artsy will find a wonderful, warm home here.

7. Knox Farm State Park

When paying a visit to this small town in New York, it's always a good idea to stop by Knox Farm State Park. This park consists of 633 acres and has plenty of easy, scenic walks to offer. While the park is beautiful any time of year, the scenery really stands out while winter hiking. Okay, EVERY state park in New York is amazing all year, but they really do just get even better when covered in snow.

8. Amherst State Park

Amherst State Park is one of those lesser-known state parks near Buffalo and has plenty of options for winter hiking trails. Most trails are unmarked, but they are easy to follow in this 77-acre conservation park.

9. Beaver Meadow Audubon Center

Finally, be sure to visit the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center with its 324 acres to explore! This nature preserve has more than eight miles of groomed and marked trails, perfect for winter hiking, birding, and becoming one with nature.

Where are your favorite places to get out and about during the winter in New York? Share the best spots with us in the comments so we can get outside to enjoy the scenic season!

Should you find that you cannot get enough of the winter wonderland our beautiful state becomes every season, there are plenty more things to do, see and experience! Visit some of the best winter towns in New York, or maybe even embark upon the awesome Christmas lights of New York road trip!