NIAGARA RIVER GREENWAY
ABOUT US
The Niagara River Greenway aims to create a world class trail and greenspace network within the Niagara River corridor through different projects, stewardship programs, community outreach, and partner collaborations. We connect the public to the waterways and the environment around them!
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By promoting educational and fun events with a focus on stewardship and restoration, we hope to inspire our community to cherish and enjoy our natural resources. Let's get outside and explore!
HIKING
When the weather's nice in WNY, there are plenty of places to get outside and get active! There are 18 state parks in the Niagara Region, with an abundance of trails offered. Each offers a different experience, allowing people of all ages and abilities to see the outdoors.
Our personal favorites are the Devil's Hole Trail and Niagara Gorge Rim Trail at Whirlpool State Park.
There are also plenty of nature trails found at Tifft Nature Preserve, Bond Lake, and the Nike Base as well as adjacent to the Shoreline Trail on Grand Island.
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Remember to plan ahead and Leave No Trace when out on the trail to keep the area in use for years to come!
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SWIMMING
As we are located right on the Great Lakes, there are plenty of opportunities to swim here in Western New York. There are plenty of natural swimming areas and pools located in the NYS Parks.
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Beaver Island and Wilson Tuscarora State Parks are great places to swim and relax on the beach and Fort Niagara has a swimming pool if that is more your speed!
KAYAKING
To take full advantage of our water abundant location, try kayaking!
On the map to the left, over 20 water access points are listed. They allow you to enter rivers, creeks, and lakes, allowing paddlers of multiple skill levels to enjoy kayaking around WNY.
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Remember to wear a PFD (personal flotation device) to protect yourself and be aware of your surroundings to respect others and the environment. Find more paddling safety information here.
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There are many places to rent a kayak, whether you are in downtown Buffalo or up near Lewiston. A few options include Water Bike Adventures, Niagara Outfitters, and Elevator Alley Kayak.
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FISHING
Fishing is a summer and winter activity here in Western New York. There are streams, lakes, ponds, and rivers awaiting your arrival, no matter the weather.
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Here is information on different fishing locations and their species, physical features, regulations, and access.
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Burt Dam at Eighteen Mile Creek and Joseph Davis State Park are excellent places to try out your fishing luck. Our diverse waterways give way to smallmouth bass, chinooks, walleyes, carp, and salmon, just to name a few!
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CAMPING
While you're here enjoying all the outdoor activities WNY has to offer, you might as well stay awhile!
There are many local NYS Park campgrounds with camping opportunities, as well as privately owned locations, such as the KOA and Branches.
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At Four Mile Creek State Park, the opportunities are endless with options to rent traditional campsites, RV sites, or even yurts! Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, this is the perfect picturesque getaway spot.
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BIKING
Traveling by bike is a great way to explore the region! The Greenway continues to collaborate with municipalities and government agencies to build one continuous safe multi-use path from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
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This Shoreline Trail currently provides over 40 miles of a continuous paved path, which is great option for bikers and walkers alike. This trail also connects to the Empire State Trail, allowing you to bike consecutively all the way to New York City!
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Our Bike There, Niagara downloadable book gives you access to a GPS account and 5 bike rides that take you through 7 of New York State's most beautiful parks.
Traveling by bike is a great way to explore the region! The Greenway continues to collaborate with municipalities and government agencies to build one continuous safe multi-use path from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
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This Shoreline Trail currently provides over 40 miles of a continuous paved path, which is great option for bikers and walkers alike. This trail also connects to the Empire State Trail, allowing you to bike consecutively all the way to New York City!
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Our Bike There, Niagara downloadable book gives you access to a GPS account and 5 bike rides that take you through 7 of New York State's most beautiful parks.
BIRDING
The Buffalo Ornithological Society coverage area consists of Western New York and nearby Ontario which is home to over 380 different species of birds!
There are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching in WNY and the Greater Niagara Region. The NYS Birding Trail lists a number of locations, including Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Tifft Nature Preserve.
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The Buffalo Audubon Society works to connect the community with bird-focused advocacy, activities, and restoration. You can find them at the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, a 324-acre preserve in North Java, NY.
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MORE INFO & RESOURCES
HIKING:
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https://stepoutbuffalo.com/the-best-hiking-trails-in-western-new-york/
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https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7786.html
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https://parks.ny.gov/parks/42/
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https://parks.ny.gov/parks/105/
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https://www.grand-island.ny.us/196/Island-Nature-Trails
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https://www.alltrails.com/us/new-york/niagara-falls
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https://www3.erie.gov/parks/parks-search?field_facilities_activities_target_id_verf=76
SWIMMING:
KAYAKING:
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https://stepoutbuffalo.com/guide-to-kayaking/
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https://www.elevatoralleykayak.com
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https://paddling.com/paddle/locations/east-river-marsh-kayak-launch
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https://www.bluewatermarinagi.com/kayak-rentals
FISHING:
CAMPING:
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https://www3.erie.gov/parks/parks-search?field_facilities_activities_target_id_verf=56
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https://stepoutbuffalo.com/best-camping-spots-across-wny/
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https://parks.ny.gov/parks/73/details.aspx
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https://www3.erie.gov/parks/sprague-brook
BIKING:
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https://empiretrail.ny.gov/buffalo-rochester/city-buffalo
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https://gobikebuffalo.org
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https://ridewithgps.com/?lang=en​