When you’re done reading our blog post on the best outdoor adventures in Buffalo, you’ll know:
- Why Buffalo’s outdoors scene should be considered one of the best in the region if not the entire country
- Where you can spend time reconnecting with nature and recharging your batteries
- What are the unique outdoor adventures in and near Buffalo that you won’t find anywhere else
To outsiders, Buffalo can have a reputation of being cold and less outdoor-friendly than other major cities. However, those outsiders are clearly misguided as there are so many outdoor adventures to experience in and near the city. Everything you’d want to do outside – from hiking to sailing to exploring and more – can be found in abundance in Buffalo.
Whether you’re visiting, a newcomer, or a longtime resident, you should take the time to enjoy these outdoor experiences. For just a taste of what the city has to offer, see our list of some of our favorite outdoor adventures below!
Explore the Outdoors with a Hike
Within an hour’s drive from Buffalo, you’ll find some of the most beautiful places to hike in the entire country. Niagara Gorge Trail, for instance, offers dramatic views of the constantly moving Niagara River along with soaring trees and limestone cliffs. Simply being near the river can be an experience, as the water moves with alacrity, sometimes almost violently, as waves crash against rocks and the shore. Somehow trail attendance is usually sparse.
While this trail is more heavily trafficked, the Eternal Flame Falls Trail should not be skipped over. The 40-minute round-trip hike can be muddy, and the trail isn’t always well marked, but those willing to get dirty and are happy to explore will likely never forget the experience. Near the end of a creek, you’ll find the famous Eternal Flame. Caused by a naturally occurring natural gas leak, the flames last seemingly forever (though if they are extinguished when you arrive, a lighter will get them going again).
There are also multiple local and state parks worth exploring. Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East, and visiting the park will leave you in awe. The park won the 2015 USA Today Readers’ Choice Award for Best State Park in the country, and it contains 66 miles of hiking trails, three waterfalls, and all the beautiful views your eyes can handle.
Splish-Splash on the Beach
Buffalo’s beautiful waterfronts are perhaps its most famous outdoor experience. Regardless of your personal preference for water adventures, you’ll find something you can enjoy in or near the city.
If you prefer to soak up the sun and enjoy a leisurely day at the beach, there are plenty to choose from in Western New York. Many of these beaches are free to visit, too, which makes them an excellent choice if you’re in the mood to finish your summer reading while basking in summer rays.
Should you want to venture a little further into the waters, you’ll have multiple options, as well. The Spirit of Buffalo is a 73-foot topsail schooner that’s available for all types of events. Whether you’re looking to host an adventure party for your child or go on an educational yet charming tour of Buffalo’s riverfront, the Spirit of Buffalo can get you on the water and enjoy it in a newfound way.
Another tour option is through Explore Buffalo. They offer guided kayak tours of the city’s famed riverfront and help you take in both the history and future of Buffalo. You’ll kayak past repurposed grain silos and down the Buffalo River. The tour is listed as being for kayakers of all experience levels.
Enjoy a Beautiful Day at the Ballpark
There are several sports stadiums in and near Buffalo that offer high-quality team competitions. Of course, football fans should head to Highmark Stadium, formerly New Era Field, to check out the rejuvenated Buffalo Bills as they take on foes from across the NFL.
Baseball fans have a couple of options to choose from. Sahlen Field sits in Downtown Buffalo and hosts the Buffalo Bisons, a AAA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The stadium also serves as a venue for outdoor concerts, professional wrestling, and festivals.
A little further from Buffalo, Dwyer Stadium in Batavia, NY, acts as the home field for the Batavia Muckdogs. A former affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Muckdogs now play in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball league – a summer baseball league filled with college prospects. The stadium is fairly new and offers great value for families and baseball aficionados.
Experience Buffalo’s Unique Outdoor Adventures
Buffalo RiverWorks is perhaps the best demonstration of how the city has managed to engage its history while transforming into a modern urban center. Located on the banks of the Buffalo River, the facility has transformed two old silos into a 60,000 square foot space that contains a concert venue, a roller derby track, a restaurant, a brewery, four bars, and a variety of outdoor adventure experiences.
Those looking for a thrill should not pass on the zip line race that starts at 110 feet in the air. See who among your friends or family is fastest zooming down the line. You can also partake in a rope obstacle course that’s just as high in the sky or do some rock climbing along the exterior of one of the silos.
You aren’t likely to find activities like this in any other major city in America. So, if you don’t have a fear of heights, you shouldn’t pass up these unique outdoor adventures in Buffalo!
Ellicott Development is Your Go-To Resource for All Things Buffalo
At Ellicott Development, we know how much Buffalo has to offer visitors and residents. Our portfolio contains a variety of apartments, condos, commercial spaces, and event properties that all celebrate and show off the best of the city.
Whether you’re looking for a place to live, a place to stay during your visit, or just want some tips on how best to enjoy our wonderful city, make sure to reach out to us today! Our website contains all of our contact info, and we’re happy to receive either a call or email.
Image Source: Kathleen Struckle / Shutterstock
