The weather is getting warmer in WNY, spring break is coming, and many people are not going to be traveling this year. Friends and family have been asking me, what are some fun day trips you would recommend and where should I take my kids hiking that isn’t too far from home? Here are my 5 favorite easy local hikes!
5-Erlandson Overview Park
This small park in Frewsburg, NY is a nice place to relax in southern Chautauqua County. There is a gazebo with picnic tables, a 1-mile hiking trail, and a large grassy expanse with great views. Directions can be found here.
We visit this park regularly whenever we want a quick walk in nature that is close to home or a park-like setting without the crowds of a city playground.
The trail winds through the woods and pops out once onto another grassy opening with a distant view of Chautauqua Lake. The signs and blue blazes are very easy to follow. We have visited in all seasons, even enjoying a warm Christmas Eve hike once before the rush of the Holiday.
4-Chautauqua Gorge
Close to my first home, this hidden gem isn’t often visited by non-locals. I have many fond memories of exploring the Chautauqua Gorge as a child and enjoy taking my own kids here. The Chautauqua Gorge State Forest is located at the end of Hannum Road in Mayville. It consists of a day-use area and some primitive campsites but the best part is hiking down in and exploring and splashing in Chautauqua Creek.
To get down to the water, drive to the very end of the Hannum Road, continuing even after it turns into dirt. At the very end is a small parking area, take the path to the left. The descent into the gorge is steep and the trail can be muddy or washed out in places. Keep an eye on young children as there are also occasional narrow sections with steep drop-offs.
Once at the bottom, there is a deeper section of creek at the end of the trail where people are often seen swimming. We prefer to walk upstream a bit. There are some really neat sections where the sheer shale walls tower above you.
Summer is the best time to visit because much of this hike takes place in the water but if visiting during other times of the year, a portion of the Westside Overland Trail can also be accessed from the State Forest.
3-Luensman Overview Park
The northern most hike on the list is Luensman Overview Park in Portland, NY. Like it’s sister park, Erlandson above, there are a couple viewing platforms with fantastic views of Lake Erie, a gazebo, picnic tables, and a 1-mile hiking trail through the forested regions of the park.
The length of this hike is great for little legs. The trail is well marked and the rolling terrain is interesting without being too challenging.
Another bonus to this park is its proximity to Lake Erie. After hiking here, a great day trip might include a stop at Lake Erie State Park in Brocton NY where one can look for sea glass at its small beach, hit a playground, or just sit and watch the sunset.
2-Rim Rock Trail from Kinzua Beach
This hike is not in Chautauqua County, it is not even in New York State, but the drive here is only 45 minutes from Jamestown making this beautiful area the perfect day trip.
There are two ways to get to the Rim Rock overlook. The first is to drive there. There is a large parking and picnic area located here. This post, however, is about hiking so I recommend starting at Kinzua Beach and walking the 1-mile trail to the overlook. If you are hiking with kids, they will have stretched their legs and will be tired enough that they won’t run dangerously around the big rock city at the top. Plus, the view is more rewarding when you work for it. Finally, the second half of the hike will be downhill with the promise of a splash in the Allegheny Reservoir on a warm day.
The trail gradually climbs up in elevation and doesn’t feel steep until the very end. At this point though, there are a lot of interesting rocks to check out or sit upon if you need to rest. The last section of the trail winds through and includes a staircase among these big rocks.
Once at the top, there are nice views of the Allegheny Reservoir. There are picnic tables and vault toilets near the parking lot as well. After resting at the top, we usually spend some time exploring and climbing on rocks before heading back down.
Back at the bottom, Kinzua Beach offers a place to dip your toes or even swim on a hot day. The beach surface is more of a pea gravel than sand and there are no lifeguards but the water is shallow and it is a quiet place to reflect on your efforts and the beauty of the area.
1-Jamestown Audubon Nature Center
This one has been my absolute favorite local hike for years and for so many different reasons! It is very close to my house, so I can go here after work on a sunny day and relieve some stress. I have taken my kids here to walk since they were very small. The big pond loop is 2 miles long and very flat, it is perfect for kids. Even when my kids were very little, the trails were easily navigated with a jogging stroller. An Audubon visit is great in any season. In the winter, it is a great place to cross-country ski or snowshoe. Not only do we use the trails, but there are also great events and nature programming throughout the year. I just can’t say enough about this one.
Spring brings new life to the woods. Besides hiking, one of our favorite activities is to attend a bird banding demonstration. You can check the website here for dates and times.
Another attraction to the Audubon for me is the diverse habitats that a loop around big pond traverses. From wet lands, to old plantation forests, through thick Hemlock canopies, and then open meadows this trail offers a lot to see.
In winter, it can be difficult to find ways to get out of the house and into nature. I think the Audubon is especially beautiful in snow. So even if we have a false spring and the snow returns, a quick trip to see the beauty in the snow is good for the spirit.
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