Western New York is more than just wings and winning football seasons — it’s a nature lover’s playground. From family-friendly favorites to remote nature preserves, there’s a park for every kind of adventure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, planning a picnic, or just need to get grounded in the great outdoors, here’s your go-to list of the best parks in WNY — including some you’ve probably never heard of.
Popular & Well-Loved Parks
Delaware Park (Buffalo, NY)
Designed by: Frederick Law Olmsted
Best For: Picnicking, walking, cultural vibes
Things to Do:
- Stroll around Hoyt Lake
- Visit the Buffalo History Museum or Albright-Knox
- Rent a paddleboat or cross-country ski in winter
- Watch Shakespeare in the Park
Chestnut Ridge Park (Orchard Park, NY)
Best For: Sledding, scenic views, family picnics
Things to Do:
- Hike to Eternal Flame Falls
- Sled, toboggan, or snowshoe in winter
- Have a cookout at one of the pavilions
- Hit the massive playground
Letchworth State Park (Castile, NY)
Known As: “The Grand Canyon of the East”
Best For: Hiking, photography, fall foliage
Things to Do:
- Hike over 60 miles of trails
- Watch waterfalls and deep gorges
- Hot air balloon rides and whitewater rafting
- Camp under the stars
Beaver Island State Park (Grand Island, NY)
Best For: Swimming, boating, birdwatching
Things to Do:
- Swim at the beach
- Launch a kayak or boat
- Picnic or golf on-site
- Hike nature trails
Tifft Nature Preserve (Buffalo, NY)
Best For: Birdwatching, peaceful walks
Things to Do:
- Walk scenic boardwalks
- Spot turtles, deer, and native birds
- Visit the nature center
- Attend educational programs
Knox Farm State Park (East Aurora, NY)
Best For: Dog walking, open fields, fall photos
Things to Do:
- Wander open trails and meadows
- Visit the barns and watch the horses
- Use the off-leash dog area
- Take seasonal photos
Ellicott Creek Park (Tonawanda, NY)
Best For: Kayaking, sports, picnicking
Things to Do:
- Paddle the creek
- Use sports fields and courts
- Walk or bike the trail
- Chill under a shaded pavilion
Niagara Falls State Park (Niagara Falls, NY)
Claim to Fame: America’s oldest state park
Best For: Epic views, tourist fun
Things to Do:
- Ride Maid of the Mist
- Walk Cave of the Winds
- Visit Goat Island & Terrapin Point
- Explore the discovery center
Akron Falls Park (Akron, NY)
Best For: Waterfalls, small-town charm
Things to Do:
- Walk to scenic Akron Falls
- Ice skate or sled in winter
- Host a picnic or party
- Watch for local wildlife
Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve (Depew, NY)
Best For: Education, calm forest walks
Things to Do:
- Hike peaceful trails
- Attend nature programs
- Spot deer, turtles, and birds
- Snowshoe in winter
Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems
Hunter’s Creek Park / Sargent Mark A. Rademacher Park (Colden, NY)
Best For: Hikers, mountain bikers, nature lovers
Things to Do:
- Hike winding forest trails
- Spot hidden waterfalls
- Enjoy a quiet retreat from city life
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (Basom, NY)
Best For: Birdwatching, scenic solitude
Things to Do:
- Hike or drive through wetlands
- Visit bird observation towers
- Watch for bald eagles
- Take a quiet nature walk
Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area (Clarence, NY)
Best For: Boardwalk strolls, wildlife watching
Things to Do:
- Walk the marsh trails and boardwalks
- Enjoy peaceful, low-traffic paths
- Spot frogs, turtles, and herons
Evangola State Park (Irving, NY)
Best For: Beach days without the crowd
Things to Do:
- Swim or picnic along Lake Erie
- Camp overnight
- Watch incredible sunsets
Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (Gowanda, NY)
Best For: Adventurers and hikers
Things to Do:
- Explore gorges and old-growth forests
- Find hidden beaches and swimming holes
- Bring a map! Trails are unmarked and wild!
Truly Remote & Hidden Escapes
Deer Lick Conservation Area (Cattaraugus, NY)
Managed by: The Nature Conservancy
Best For: Solitude seekers, serious hikers
Things to Do:
- Hike the gorge trail
- Admire ancient hemlock trees
- Disconnect completely
College Lodge Forest (Brocton, NY)
Best For: Peaceful forest walks
Things to Do:
- Explore old-growth forests
- Enjoy quiet nature trails
- Great for Fredonia-area day trips
Clear Lake Wildlife Management Area (Ellington, NY)
Best For: Off-grid birding and paddling
Things to Do:
- Spot ducks and herons
- Paddle the lake or hike unmarked trails
- Go full “unplugged” mode
Conewango Swamp WMA (Cattaraugus County)
Best For: Swamp exploration & rare wildlife
Things to Do:
- Paddle through swampland
- Explore undeveloped forest
- Search for waterfowl and wetland species
Franklin Gulf County Park (North Collins, NY)
Best For: Fall foliage and forest solitude
Things to Do:
- Hike wooded gorges
- Find a small seasonal waterfall
- Take quiet nature walks without crowds
Final Thoughts
From city parks to secret forest trails, WNY has it all. Whether you’re planning a day with the kids, a solo hike, or a romantic walk under fall leaves, there’s a patch of paradise just waiting for you. So grab your water bottle, your hiking boots (or your hammock), and go explore.
Looking to live near one of these parks? At Ready Home Go, we’ll help you find the perfect home and the perfect local realtor to guide the way.
