THE REC
THE REC
North Tonawanda Youth Center
WNY Hiking and Walking Trails
Take a hike!!
WNY has so many offerings for you and your family when it comes to getting outside and moving.
I'll be reviewing various hiking and walking trails weekly to allow you to make an educated decision on what will be right for you,
If you have any questions about any specific park or trail, please email me and I will do my best to get you the answers you seek.
RESOURCES:
This will give you great comprehensive view of various hikes and walk available to you throughout WNY.
Facebook page that offers great tips to local hikes including up to the minute info on trail conditions and closings.
Sign up with your family and friends to challenge yourself to get out there to hike some of the local trails. Complete the challenge and get yourself a cool patch and sticker to show off your accomplishment to your friends.
If you have any questions regarding any of the trails we review, please do not hesitate to email us and we'll do our best to get you the answer you seek. mbernas@northtonawanda.org
Michelle's Video Reviews
- Artpark - Earl W. Brydges State Park
Trail Notes:
- 20 minute drive from North Tonawanada (Directions)
- Beautiful views of the Niagara River and the Queenston Bridge
- Easy to moderate hike. Stair climb can be avoided by backtracking
- May not be suitable for children under 5
- Dogs permitted on leash
- Pic-nic benches available
_______________________________________
- Lockport Nature Trail
John B. Austin Nature Trail info
Trail Notes:
- 25 Minute drive from North Tonawanda (Directions)
- Easy hike (walk) suitable for ALL AGES from tikes to seniors
- Historic Trees located in the park
- Dogs allowed off leash
- Open from dawn 'til dusk
- Free entry
- Benches available for resting and taking in the scenery
- Buckhorn State Park
Buckhorn State Park
• 15 Minute drive from North Tonawanda (Directions)
• Open from dawn 'til dusk
• Free entry
• Dogs are allowed
• Safe and appropriate for all ages and skill levels
• No bathroom facilities
• 2-mile walk to the peninsula for some great views
_______________________________________
- Royaltine Ravine
Trail Notes:
- 30-minute drive from North Tonawanda (Directions)
- Open from 7am until 9pm
- Dogs are allowed on leash
- Bathroom facilities are located near the parking area
- Trail is between 2 to 3 mile out and back hike.
- Appropriate for ages 5 and up. There are some tripping hazards and
you'll want to keep the younger ones close to you when hiking close to the ravine's edge.
- There are spaces to have lunch outside of the wooded trail area
2 thumbs up. A great destination for you and the family.
_______________________________________
- Reinstein Woods
Trail Notes:
- Located 25 minutes from North Tonawanda in Depew (Directions)
- Open from dawn to dusk
- Free Entry
- Dogs and Bicycles PROHIBITED
- Appropriate for ALL AGES
- Bathroom facilities currently closed
- Multiple Trails throughout the park
- The outer loop of the park is a 2.8-mile trail
2 very enthusiastic thumbs up!
_______________________________________
- 18 Mile Creek County Park
18 Mile Creek County Park Trail Map
Trail Notes:
- 45-minute drive from North Tonawanda in Hamburg (Directions)
- Open from dawn to dusk
- Dogs allowed on leash
- No bathroom facilities
- Limited parking spots at the trailhead so be careful as I've heard the town has been ticketing cars that aren't in actual spots
- While it is a mostly easy hike, there are some strenuous climbs and some tripping hazards so I'm saying it may not be appropriate for children under 7. But this depends on your skill level and comfort. If you're a beginner, please, just take caution. I'm stressing the importance of proper footwear due to some click areas.
- Various trails allow for adjustment to the miles you'd like to hike.
Located Nearby:
_______________________________________
- Devil's Hole and Whirlpool State Park
Trail Notes:
- 20-minute drive from North Tonawanda in Niagara Falls (Directions)
- Open from dawn to dusk
- Dogs allowed on leash
- There are bathroom facilities
- Plenty of parking at both the Devil's Hole entrance and the Whirlpool State park entrance
- At the time of this post the stairs leading down to the river's edge from the Devil's Hole entrance were under construction.
- If you plan on walking down the stairs and along the river's edge, that part of the trail may not be suitable for all ages due to tripping hazards and unsecured edges
- Walking along the upper portion of the trail is suitable for ALL ages. (And beautiful)
- At the Whirlpool entrance there is a park area for the kids to play and for a proper family picnic.
_______________________________________
- Chimney Bluffs State Park
Trail Notes:
- 2 hour drive from North Tonawanda along the Seaway Trail on Lake Ontario (Directions)
- Open from dawn to dusk
- Suitable for all ages though you'll have to keep the little ones close to you along the Bluff Trail
- Dogs allowed on leash
- There are bathroom facilities
- There are picnic facilities
- Plenty of parking with a $5.00 parking fee
- Hunters Creek Park