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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
We've talked about Olmsted Parks, Japanese gardens, and even safari parks all located within a stone's throw from Buffalo. But there are several other parks worth checking out in and around the city. Say what you will about living in New York, our parks are the bomb-dot-com. And we're here to prove it! Here are 11 underrated state parks to visit near Buffalo that you should spend more time in.
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1. Buffalo Harbor State Park (9 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Buffalo Harbor State Park is one of the newer state parks near Buffalo. It's also one of the closest parks to downtown, has one of the best playgrounds for the kids to romp around on, and offers some of the best views of the Buffalo skyline from the shores of Lake Erie.
1111 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo
2. Woodlawn Beach State Park (17 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
This state park is more than a park. It's also home to one of the best beaches near Buffalo. Visit Woodlawn Beach State Park this summer to soak up the sun!
3580 Lake Shore Rd., Blasdell
3. Amherst State Park (23 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Amherst State Park is known for its great walking trails, dog-friendly environment, and location to Ellicott Creek. Although it's called Amherst State Park, the main access point is in Williamsville, which is also the home of the oldest brew pub in New York.
400 Mill St., Williamsville
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4. Knox Farm State Park (25 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Knox Farm State Park is one of the most popular state parks near Buffalo. Knox Farm has great walking trails, scenic barns and buildings (perfect for photo ops!), and so much more. This place is truly a little slice of heaven on earth in East Aurora.
437 Buffalo Rd., East Aurora
5. Beaver Island State Park (18 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Beaver Island offers plenty of activities to enjoy. Whether you want to spend an afternoon on the beach, walk on nature trails, or launch your boat, there's something for everyone here!
2136 Parkfield Rd., Grand Island
6. Evangola State Park (45 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can get away from it all without a lengthy car ride at Evangola State Park. This park offers a beautiful beach, a spacious campground, a frisbee golf course, playgrounds galore, and more!
10191 Old Lake Shore Rd., Irving
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7. Devils Hole State Park (28 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Devil's Hole State Park is known for its great hikes, cavernous attractions, and excellent views. It is located in Niagara Falls, just north of the City of Buffalo.
Niagara Scenic Pkwy., Niagara Falls, NY
8. Whirlpool State Park (30 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Letchworth State Park is undoubtedly the most impressive of the state parks near Buffalo. Letchworth is so big that it has been given the nickname "Grand Canyon of the East." And while it doesn't quite compete with the real deal, the views and hiking here are pretty magnificent!
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile
11. Golden Hill State Park (1 hour 4 minutes from Buffalo)
If you're ever looking for an amazing place to watch the sunset, head to Golden Hill State Park. While it's a bit of a longer drive, this is one of the most charming state parks near Buffalo you'll find! Meander your way through back roads in Barker until you find it. Then sit back and stay a while as you explore the lighthouse and nature trails on-site.
9691 Lower Lake Rd., Barker
Which of these state parks near Buffalo is your favorite to explore? Share the best spots with us in the comments!
