When it comes to living anywhere in Western New York, you'll find that you grow up hearing about out-of-town friends and family tend to always bring up Niagara Falls in conversation. We wouldn't dare try to argue against the fact that America's oldest state park is stunning, but we know first-hand that many other attractions in our region get overlooked by the beautiful lights of the falls. Taking you just a little bit farther north, head 30 minutes from Buffalo and you can experience a memorable fall hike that brings you through an epic gorge.
Look just beyond the country's oldest state park and you'll discover Whirlpool State Park in Niagara County.
The two-level state park features lots of shaded picnic areas at street level, with an abundance of overlooks situated along the Rim Trail up there as well.
But if you head down to the second level where you're right along the riverfront, you'll get an even more exciting view of our fall foliage and the scenery that's below.
After making your way down a beautiful winding staircase, you'll be face to face with the Whirlpool and raging blue and white colors of the Niagara River as its surrounded by our fall foliage.
If you're looking to kill two birds with one stone, you can continue hiking to the Devil's Hole Trail and into Devil's Hole State Park where you can make your way back up another staircase and head back to your car via the Rim Trail.
Why hike through one state park, when you can hike through two?
So whether you choose to enjoy the street-level overlooks of the gorge or choose to hike right along the riverfront down below, you'll have amazing fall views when you come to Whirlpool State Park!
Another fun thing about exploring Whirlpool State Park is that you can find a ton of informational signs all throughout the state park that explains the area's history in even greater depth! To find out more information and to view the trail map for Whirlpool State Park, click here.
Whirlpool State Park is located at Niagara Scenic Pkwy., Niagara Falls, NY 14303 and luckily has no vehicle entrance fee. You can keep your wallet in your pocket for this adventure!
Are you on the lookout for some of the best state parks to visit around Buffalo? You don't have to be a full-blown outdoor enthusiast to have a blast among the fresh air. At times, we all need to escape from the stresses of city living and retreat to nature. Whether it’s a picnic on the lake or a hike through the woods, being one with nature is a great way to feel peace and solace when life becomes a little hectic.
advertisement
Luckily, there are loads of things to do in Buffalo and beyond -- including plenty of places to venture off for a relaxing getaway. From the shores of Lake Erie to the steep gorges of Letchworth, there’s anything but a shortage of open air around Buffalo. Pack your picnic baskets, put on your hiking shoes, and hit these 14 amazing state parks around Buffalo that will blow you away.
This 64,800 acre state park south of Buffalo is full of activities to partake in year-round. The rolling hills of the park are also referred to as the Enchanted Mountains and are one of the most beautiful places to view the colorful fall foliage. Stay active at the park on its 18 hiking trails and 5.6 miles of paved biking trails, and don’t let winter stop you! The park features miles of snowmobile trails for visitors to explore. No matter when you drop by, you'll love this spot.
This small, charming local state park is a great Sunday afternoon day trip destination near Buffalo. Featuring meadows, hiking trails, and Ellicott Creek, visitors can enjoy a walk with a dog or a picnic with friends and family. Everyone will adore Amherst.
Beaver Island State Park is a great place to experience all four seasons in Buffalo. Activities at the park include basking in the sun and swimming along the half-mile shoreline, spending a day on the water with your boat, canoe, or kayak, fishing year-round, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Regardless of the weather, you'll have fun at Beaver Island.
This state park is home to a serene nature preserve along the marsh and wetlands of the Niagara River. Visitors can enjoy a few refreshing hours hiking the trails, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife throughout the park.
No need to leave the city to visit this amazing state park! Buffalo Harbor State Park is located along the shorelines of Lake Erie. While swimming is currently not permitted at the park, visitors can enjoy several nearby restaurants, walk along the path, sunbathe on the beach, access the marina, and enjoy several activities on the water (kayaking and canoeing, for instance). What a great place to meet up with friends right within the bounds of Buffalo.
When Western New Yorkers hear Darien Lake, a majority of them probably think "theme park." What they might not know, however, is they can extend their visit and check out nearby Darien Lakes State Park, as well! This under appreciated state park near Buffalo offers amenities such as campsites, pavilions, and playgrounds to make for a fun-filled summer getaway. Make a day of it.
Located along the Niagara Gorges, the ArtPark state park is a great place for nature and entertainment. The park grounds serve as a venue for concerts during the summer and a ground for public art displays. When not enjoying a show, visitors can check out the nature trails and beautiful views of the Niagara River.
Irving’s Evangola State Park is a popular spot among the vibrant camping community in Buffalo. The state park features an arc-shaped shoreline where guests can swim in Lake Erie, not to mention soccer and baseball fields for those looking to participate in team sports. Stretch your legs and connect with the great outdoors when you explore this park.
Located in East Aurora, Knox Farm is the former estate of Buffalo’s Knox family. The park is made up of 633 acres of beautiful farmland, wetlands, and woods. Visitors can enjoy walks along the paths, biking in designated areas, and even horseback rides with a permit. Don’t be surprised to see multiple photo shoots occurring during your visit due to the beautiful backdrops this state park provides. You might even want to bring along your camera to snap a few photos of your own!
There’s a reason Letchworth is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East." This exceptional park boasts beautiful gorges, waterfalls, and forestland galore. Visitors can choose to explore various hiking trails that total over 66 miles in combined length. For those who are daredevils, try out exciting whitewater rafting on the river’s rushing waters! Not afraid of heights? The park also offers hot air balloon rides to view the eastern canyons from above. Letchworth is chock full of excitement for all ages.
This state park gives visitors access to both the Niagara River and beautiful Lake Ontario. Explore the park's many trails, take advantage of the refreshing pool on a hot summer day, or tire the little ones out in the playgrounds and 18 soccer fields. For a history lesson, head next door to Old Fort Niagara and learn about the area's past.
Niagara Falls is not only a state park, but a full-blown natural wonder. This beautiful shared park between the United States and Canada is an absolute must-visit for all New Yorkers. The park consists of three waterfalls that dump over 750,000 gallons per second. If you want to get up close and personal, take the Cave of the Winds Tour or put your ponchos on and hop aboard the Maid of the Mist, which will take you right up to the falls via boat.
You can find this fast-paced park upstream from Niagara Falls. With two levels to choose from, visitors can stay on the street level to take photos of this park’s scenic views, or for those more daring, head down to the river level for up close views of the rushing waters... and a trail to the last park on our list!
Enjoy a fun day at this park, which features gorgeous views of the jade-colored water and an awesome hiking trail where you can stretch your legs. Follow the stone staircase down to the river gorge, where you'll find ample opportunities to camp and fish. For the best views, visit in fall, when the colored trees add to the already breathtaking backdrop.
Now that you've uncovered some of the best state parks to visit around Buffalo, you're something of an expert on our area's natural wonders. Have you been lucky enough to check out any of these fresh air gems during previous day trips from Buffalo? We'd love to hear from you, so share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another beautiful park near Buffalo by completing our official nomination form.
How far is too far to find a beautiful swimming hole trail near Buffalo? The limit does not exist! There's one spectacular state park that's located within a two-hour drive from Buffalo and the destination is definitely worth every minute of travel time. After all, it might just be among the best spots for a day trip near Buffalo. Once you put the car in park, lace up your sneakers and bring your bathing suits as this one-mile hike near Buffalo leads to the dreamiest swimming hole imaginable. You'll want to bring the whole family along for this awesome and refreshing excursion.
advertisement
Stony Brook State Park is located in Dansville, NY, just an hour and a half from the City of Buffalo.
The park itself features three trails, a campground, and the dreamiest swimming hole you ever did see. When you arrive, you'll feel like you've discovered a peaceful new world.
The Gorge Trail is a 0.75-mile hike that will lead you back to the spring-fed pool. Given its short length, it's suitable for even the most unenthusiastic hikers.
You can also access the pool by parking at the North Entrance if you'd prefer to skip the hiking aspect altogether. We highly recommend taking the scenic route, though!
Despite what TLC taught you in the '90s, please DO go chasing waterfalls when you arrive at Stony Brook!
The Gorge Trail will lead you past three major waterfalls. Of the tree trail options in the park, it is the easiest and most scenic, so bring your camera along to snap a few photos during your adventure.
Though short and sweet, the Gorge Trail does include several stairs along the route, so it isn't accessible for people in wheelchairs or strollers.
Stony Brook sometimes needs to drain or close the spring-fed pool due to weather conditions. Prepare in advance by checking their official Facebook page. When conditions allow, though, this spot is pure magic.
And now the moment you've all been waiting for: it's time to jump into a dreamy swimming hole.
The spring-fed pool is Stony Brook State Park's pièce de résistance. Not only is this swimming hole beautiful, it's also extremely refreshing on a hot summer day. Even if it's too cold for a dip, the scenery here will capture your heart.
There is a large swimming area as well as a two-foot-deep wading area for those who only want to get their feet wet in the water.
When weather permits, the pool sticks to posted hours and draws in visitors of all ages. With only a small admission fee per car entering the park, there's simply no excuse not to check out this lovely little oasis for an outdoor adventure near Buffalo.
For more information about one of the best natural swimming holes near Buffalo, check out the official New York State Parks website. Where is your absolute favorite place to swim near Buffalo? Or, if you've ventured to Stony Brook State Park before, what's your favorite memory from your time there? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another unique natural attraction near Buffalo by completing our nomination form.
