We’ve already talked about how Buffalo is one of the most scenic cities that you could possibly explore, what with stunning parks scattered all over the city and all. If you happen to have already explored most of Buffalo’s amazing park system, then it’s time you start venturing around to the nearby areas that feature some of our state’s most underrated parks! All within a short drive from us, discover someplace new as you make your way through this exciting list. Here are six lesser-known state parks near Buffalo you should check out ASAP:

1. Amherst State Park
390 Mill St, Buffalo, NY 14221, USA
Matt Ziemba/Google Maps
Just 20 minutes outside of Downtown Buffalo, Amherst State Park covers nearly 80 acres of Erie County and is a beautiful place to explore during the wintertime. Within the park, you'll have the option to explore eight different nature trails, all of which are interconnected throughout the park. If you're interested in taking a quiet, lesser-known stroll through the woods this season, we recommend this state park.

To find out more, click here.
2. Devil's Hole State Park
Niagara Scenic Parkway, Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, USA
Christopher Sauvageau/Google Maps
Instead of heading to a popular place like Niagara Falls State Park, try enjoying lesser-known gems like Devil's Hole State Park, which is located right along the parkway. Only a half-hour north of the Queen City, you'll get to see the vibrant hues of the Niagara River bounce off of all the icy and snowy scenery that surrounds it during the winter. Whether you want to go for a quick walk and enjoy the overlooking views of the river or do some hiking and make your way down to the river banks, this is one state park that's always a blast to explore.

To find out more, click here.
3. Golden Hill State Park
9691 Lower Lake Rd, Barker, NY 14012, USA
jeremy vanwey/Google Maps
Just over an hour north of us in the town of Barker, Buffalonians can explore New York's other Great Lake along the shores of Lake Ontario. The state park may be popular for camping during our summer months, but during the winter you'll almost always have this stunning state park to yourself. If you need a good place along the water to watch the sunset, we suggest adding Golden Hill State Park to your to-do list.

To find out more, click here.

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4. Fort Niagara State Park
1 Scott Ave, Youngstown, NY 14174, USA
Old Fort Niagara/Facebook
Head a half-hour north of us towards New York's northwestern-most corner and enjoy the unique sights that Fort Niagara State Park has to offer. Right out along the waterfront in Youngstown, the state park covers 500 acres and is a wonderful place to visit when you want to go cross-country skiing.

To find out more, click here.
5. Buffalo Harbor State Park
1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
Kevin/Google Maps
Head just 10 minutes outside of Downtown Buffalo and you'll get to enjoy the wonderful views that Buffalo Harbor State Park has to offer - and it’s right here in our backyard. The nearly 200-acre state park is situated right along the shores of Lake Erie and during the wintertime, the views of the snow-covered lake feel endless and will leave you in awe. If you want to enjoy the outdoors without heading too far outside of the city, this is a great place to explore!

To find out more, click here.
6. Lake Erie State Park
5838 NY-5, Brocton, NY 14716, USA
Lake Erie State Park / Facebook
Travel an hour south of Buffalo along the waterfront and before you know it, you'll arrive at Lake Erie State Park. Made up of over 355 acres, the state park sits along Lake Erie and is open all year long. During the winter, you'll get to see the cabins and the landscapes of the state park covered in snow and looking more magical than you ever could've imagined. Lake Erie State Park is also a beautiful place to go cross-country skiing, with plenty of scenic trails to explore in the park.

To find out more, click here.

If you’re in need of more destinations to visit, read this article: The 6 Coziest Towns Near Buffalo To Snuggle Up In This Season!

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State Parks Near Buffalo to Visit

Tori Jane | February 08, 2022

Where can I go hiking around Buffalo?  

New York is a wonderful state for nature lovers. It’s absolutely beautiful here, and there are countless amazing natural features to fall in love with. As a result, there are plenty of amazing hiking trails in and around the city of Buffalo to explore. Some of our favorites include the absolutely AMAZING Eternal Flame hike, located at Chestnut Ridge at Orchard Park. It’s not only beautiful – it's anomalous! This trail leads to a natural gas leak, which burns constantly, nestled behind a natural waterfall. It’s one of those things you need to see to believe! Then, there’s the Tifft Nature Preserve, which has plenty of beautiful trails and, as a bonus, is popular with birdwatchers. Nearby the city are amazing hikes like ones that can be found in Little Valley, South Wales, East Otto, Hamburg, Gowanda, and more! For some more inspiration, check out this list of five amazing hiking spots near Buffalo you should add to your bucket list ASAP.

What are some of the best parks around Buffalo for families?  

Buffalo, New York is a great place to raise a family, and part of the reason for this is just how many fun, educational, or otherwise just plain awesome parks there are all over the place. They’re perfect for afternoons with the little ones, and the little ones will have a blast! Some of the best parks around Buffalo for families include Shoshone Park, where parents can hang out and chat while watching their little guys run amok, and Broderick Park, which is a favorite among locals with and without children. Then, we also like MLK Jr. Park, and Delaware Park, which lots of folks have called one of the best parks in the country! The possibilities seem endless; your kids will love growing up in Buffalo.

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