Hiking Buckhorn Island State Park - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Buckhorn Island State Park: trails, map and practical info

Niagara Falls • New York

4.6 Appreciated by 8 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2013 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
9 km
Elevation
7 ft
Duration
2h15
Max altitude
174 ft

Escape the Niagara Falls crowds on this easy 9 km loop through wetlands, woodlands, and meadows on Grand Island. With minimal elevation gain and 2h15 of hiking, you'll spot herons, egrets, and bald eagles along the river—a peaceful counterpoint to the falls just downstream.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Buckhorn Island State Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"section_picnic_areas": "

Picnic Areas and Facilities

\n

Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, with many positioned to take advantage of river views or quiet woodland settings. These spots work well for extending a hike into a longer outing, or for families who want to combine trail time with a more relaxed pace. The flat terrain and accessible trail design make the park practical for a wide range of visitors, including those who want a shorter nature walk rather than the full trail network.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
E River Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072, USA
GPS coordinates
43.059747, -78.982638
Phone
(716) 773-3271

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the buckhorn island state park in New York is to drive there.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.059747, -78.982638
Center
(716) 773-3271

Hikers' opinions

4.6
3 Reviews
WH
Weekend Hiker
Mar 2, 2024
Decent trail for those seeking easy terrain near Niagara Falls. The 9km loop takes around 2-3 hours depending on your pace. Virtually no elevation gain at just 1 meter, so it's more of a nature walk than a challenging hike. Access requires payment for both parking and entry. Good for beginners or those wanting a relaxing outdoor experience.
NW
Nature Walker
Feb 8, 2024
Perfect for a peaceful afternoon hike without the crowds. The trail winds through diverse habitats on Buckhorn Island with excellent bird watching opportunities. At 9km, it's a good distance for a moderate workout. Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed, which was disappointing. The flat terrain makes for easy walking, though the paid parking adds to the cost.
PV
Park Visitor
Jan 15, 2024
Great flat trail for a leisurely walk along the Niagara River. The 9km route took us about 2.5 hours with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery. Minimal elevation gain makes it accessible for most fitness levels. Note that parking isn't free, so bring some cash. The trail offers beautiful water views and is well-maintained throughout.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
7.00 m
174.00 m
Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
2h15
No
No
Yes, the Buckhorn Island State Park trail is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and families. With only 1 m of elevation gain over 9 km, it's a relatively flat and accessible walk that doesn't require advanced hiking experience.
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Update : June 2026