Buffalo Street

Hiking isn't something I thought I would ever enjoy. Don't get me wrong, I love nature. But to be frank, after about the first 500 feet my feet hurt and I'd much rather be at home sitting on my computer.
I know, slightly sad right? Well, due to a certain boyfriend I'm being dragged against my will to numerous parks to walk around and "commune with nature". Funny thing is, my boyfriend isn't even a hippie.
Yet, to my surprise I've found that I'm enjoying these long hikes. Mainly due to the fact that I didn't know any of these places existed. So, just to have an excuse to blog, and to share knowledge I'll let you know some of the best places that we've gone this autumn season:

Eternal Flame Falls - Probably the best kept secret in WNY. This large park is located out in Orchard Park, about a 20 min drive from Downtown Buffalo. Once you arrive, its almost as if you left the sprawling "new suburbs" that make up a majority of the area. You are now in "the forest". The area is quiet beautiful, the tree's make a kind of sanctuary that places a large yellow glow on the ground. You follow the marked trail down wards along a slow creek. Once you come around a large bend the falls first come into view. Its nothing spectacular, if you've ever seen Niagara Falls. But don't let first impressions get the best of you. At a closer inspection you'll find natural gas jets that shoot flames up about three feet located right behind the falling water. Considered to be the only one of its kind in North America, its actually an odd sight to see. If you do end up going here, I suggest bringing a small bag to carry any trash you might find because this area is too rare to screw up with beer cans.

For more information and directions visit this site: http://naturalhighs.net/waterfalls/falls00/eternal.htm

Dr Reinstein Nature Preserve - Located in Depew NY, off Como Park Blvd in the heart of suburban development, you might be surprised to find one of the oldest forest in WNY. Originally created as a sanctuary, this preserve gives you the chance you get in touch with nature without having to drive too far from home. The wide and marked paths are perfect for families or someone who is a "hiking beginner" such as myself. The best thing about this perserve is the signs located through out that give you an idea of what type of vegitation or animals are in the area. I enjoyed this preserve the most because the animals were so at home. I even had a bird land on my hand when I was standing in a field. Once he realized I wasn't a tree he quickly flew away. It was still a nice moment though.

For more information and directions: http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html

The Niagara Gorge Trails - To be honest, having lived in this region for a majority of my life I'm ahsamed to say I had no idea this area exsisted. Next time you decide to visit our local Natural Wonder in the USA make sure to head along the gorge away from the falls, and eventually you'll run into a hikers center with maps of the trails and information on the region. Once you've gotten your map continue to head along the gorge and you'll eventually find yourself outside of the tourist trap Niagara Falls has become, and in a world of deer, rushing waters, and as much autumn foliage you can stand. Along the large trail you'll find the ruins of old factorys that once stood right on the edge of the gorge, as well as informational signs giving you info on the area you happen to be standing in.


I hope you do check out some of these spots, they are free, and if your like me, not so difficult that your poor feet want to detach themselves and kill you in your sleep.

-Sean