Explore Nature
The Eternal Flame
One of my favorite hikes is in Chestnut Ridge Park, in Orchard Park. The Eternal Flame Hiking Trail is approx. 1.5 miles roundtrip & takes about 45 minutes. Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet, as the trail runs along & over a creek bed. The trail is often slippery & steep, so take care. Your reward is seeing the flame behind the waterfall.
East Aurora Parks
Check out some gems in East Aurora:
Major's Park Boardwalk Loop is a 1 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that features a river & is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, & bird watching & is best used from March until November.
Knox Farm State Park Anyone seeking an historic site in Western New York to hike nature trails, exercise dogs, cross country ski, snowshoe, horseback ride, stage a wedding, hold a business conference, bicycle, visit a library, picnic, experience a world-class philharmonic orchestra, attend an exhibition of fine arts & crafts, or just sit on a bench & enjoy the scenery will find it at this sprawling 633-acre gemstone among the area hills, trees, & meadows. Most of it is free of charge & all is made possible through the efforts of the Friends of Knox Farm State Park.
Sinking Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful & spectacular preserve dedicated to the conservation of nature & its unspoiled solitude.
The Owens Falls Sanctuary on Center Street, is a tranquil hemlock forest where a cool, clear stream meanders through a deep ravine & cascades over dark shale ledges.
New York State Parks
From the shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York's 180 state parks offer countless opportunities to explore your natural environment, escape from the grind of the everyday & experience exciting new adventures. Beaches, boat launches, hiking trails, campsites, & golf courses all await you!
New York State parks... With all there is to see & do, how will you spend your time?
Erie County Parks
The Erie County Parks system is considered one of the finest in the entire state. All parks are open 7 AM- Dusk (Winter) or 9 PM (Summer). Shelter reservations are available between May 1st & October 15th.
Little Rock City State Forest
My family & I ventured to this tucked away park that has some surprising & cool rock formations. We started hiking on the top of the formations, navigating over gaps between the boulders (not too easy with short legged mini-doxies!) Then we discovered how to walk on the actual trail, at the base of the formations, that twists around the rocks & let us explore the moss covered (tight) spaces between them. It felt like we were in another world! I was especially impressed with the trees growing off the edges of the stone faces. The air was a refreshing 10 degrees cooler between the rocks! The park is about 20 minutes from Ellicottville (not to be confused with other park- Rock City in Olean)
