Great Family-Friendly Hikes Near Buffalo To Take With Your Kids
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Glen Falls Trail Loop
Located in WIlliamsville, the Glen Falls Trail Loop is an easy, relaxing trail that's about 2 1/2 miles long. It's paved which means you can bring your strollers for your littlest nature lovers. As the name suggests, there's a gorgeous waterfall that is amazing during all four seasons. One rule to remember is that dogs aren't permitted in the park.
Tifft Nature Center
The trails at Tifft are simply wonderful. Easy terrain to walk, but it can be muddy so you should probably leave your stroller at home. There are trails with boardwalks along the ponds and narrow, single file trails that wind through the wildlife-filled landscape. These trails are gorgeous year round and open from dawn until dusk. A trail map is available on their website. No dogs or bikes allowed.
Walton Woods Trail
The easy, paved trail cirlcles around a lovely pond. There is plenty to look at on the 1 1/2 mile walk and leashed dogs are welcomed to join you on your adventure.
Delaware Park Meadow Trail
This loop can't really be considered a hike, but it's the perfect place when you want to get out of the house and stretch your legs or give your kiddos the chance to get their wiggles out. The cinder trail is great for pushing a stroller or riding bikes and scooters. You can bring your leashed dogs to keep you company. Clocking in at just over 1 1/2 miles it's a do-able path for almost everyone.
Reinstein Woods Trail
Reinstein Woods is a spectacular place to bring your kids when you want to get out and about. With several charming trails, all under a mile in length, it's ideal for all ages. Do a short one with your littlest hiker or do a few of them to satisfy everyone in your family. In the winter you can learn how to snowshoe or cross country ski and in the warmer months you can explore the wildlife up close and personal. You really can't go wrong!
Panama Rocks State Park
There's not a person in your family that won't be delighted by this hidden jewel of the state park system in Chautauqua County. ESCAPE into a world of towering rocks, deep crevices, passageways, and small caves hidden in an ancient forest! Grotesque roots snake down the rocks and delicate ferns, mosses, and lichens add to Panama Rock’s unique, jungle-like charm. It's closed during the winter months and reservations are suggested during the rest of the year as guest numbers are controlled to make sure everyone has a great experience. The trail itself is a 1 mile loop that surrounds amazing geological formations that you can explore (at your own risk) off-trail. Service animals are allowed, but others must remain home for their safety.
Chestnut Ridge Park Trails (including the Eternal Flame)
Chestnut Ridge Park has a handful of trails for your family to explore. Some are more rigorous than others, so do your research before you head out. Hiking in to see the Eternal Flame is a great adventure but has the potential to make you crazy if you don't look online for advice feforehand. The Eternal Flame is actually a naturally occuring vent for natural gas and ocassionally goes out. One reviewer suggested bringing a lighter along just in case, but I'm terrified of explosions to the point where I won't even light our gas grill so I don't officially endorse this idea.
Akron Falls Park
We don't all have kids who hop with excitement at the idea of an afternoon spent on a hiking trail. If you can relate to this situation I have a gift for you. While telling your kids about Akron Falls you can let them know that not only will their efforts take them to a really pretty waterfall BUT they'll have to walk along Murder Creek to get there. Who can resist?! The trail is a little less than a mile long and you can bring your doggo as long as he's on a leash.
