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.

1. Buffalo Harbor State Park (9 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Buffalo Harbor State Park, 1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
Sean Gilgore/Google Maps
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)
Solé at Woodlawn Beach, 3580 Lake Shore Rd, Blasdell, NY 14219, USA
Harshitha T - TripAdvisor
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, 390 Mill St, Buffalo, NY 14221, USA
Robby G C - TripAdvisor
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
4. Knox Farm State Park (25 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Knox Farm State Park, 437 Buffalo Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052, USA
Friends of Knox Farm State Park - Facebook
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 Golf Course, 2136 Oakfield Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072, USA
Mary H - TripAdvisor
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

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6. Evangola State Park (45 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Evangola State Park Road, Evangola State Park Rd, New York, USA
Marius P - Trip Advisor
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
7. Devils Hole State Park (28 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Devil's Hole State Park, Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, USA
Samantha C - TripAdvisor
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)
Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
BethWI - TripAdvisor
Whirlpool State Park overlooks the whirlpool on the Niagara River and Niagara Gorge. Its views are spectacular, with several great overlooks.

Robert Moses State Pkwy., Niagara Falls, NY
9. Allegany State Park (1 hour 25 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Allegany State Park, Salamanca, NY 14779, USA
Jodi K - TripAdvisor
Allegany State Park is popular with campers, hikers, and nature lovers alike. This is one of the more rustic of the state parks near Buffalo.

2373 ASP Route 1, Salamanca
10. Letchworth State Park (1 hour 16 minutes from the City of Buffalo)
Letchworth State Park, New York, USA
Luk_Meister - TripAdvisor
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)
Golden Hill State Park, 9691 Lower Lake Rd, Barker, NY 14012, USA
mdkadk - TripAdvisor
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!

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State parks to visit near Buffalo

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 29, 2022

What is the name of the State Park that they call “The Grand Canyon of the East?”

Great question! That would be Letchworth State Park. Its sheer size, approximately 14,350 acres, and magnificent natural beauty are what earned it the nickname, “The “Grand Canyon of the East.” Here, you will find some of the best waterfall hikes in New York, picturesque rock formations, spectacular gorges, and a wealth of outdoor recreational activities like swimming, rock climbing, bird watching, and other al fresco pursuits. If you live in the Buffalo metropolitan area, it’s only about an hour’s drive to get there. Just take Interstate 190 east to Highway 20A east, then follow it to Highway 36 and take it south until you see the park signs.

Where can I find hiking trails with waterfalls in New York State?

That is one of the ways in which The Empire State shines! Almost everywhere you look across the state you can find stunning hiking trails with waterfalls suitable for a wide variety of physical ability levels. One of the most popular ones (well, they are ALL popular trails) is found inside Taughannock Falls State Park in the town of Trumansburg (about an hour and a half south of Rochester). It’s just a short two-mile hike to get to the falls, but boy are they amazing! The falls cascade down 215 feet where it merges with the cool waters of the Finger Lakes. The sight is one to behold!

I’m looking for a family-friendly waterfall hike near Buffalo.

There are several really good ones right around Niagara Falls, each one offering its own unique scenery around this world-renown location. You might try the Goat Island Scenic Trail.  Because it is paved, it’s the perfect waterfall hike for those pushing a stroller, little ones with those short legs that get tired easily, and for adults who either want an easy journey or have some mobility issues. All in all, it’s beautiful and everyone in the family is sure to enjoy their time here. It’s a wonderfully different way to explore Niagara Falls.

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