Rock City Park is a hidden gem in Western NY. It is absolutely worth the visit! The park is…read morestunning--huge rock formations rise out of a dense, peaceful forest, creating a magical hiking experience that feels like something out of a fantasy novel. The trail takes you down into the heart of these ancient boulders, where you can explore narrow crevices, quirky formations, and mossy paths. Then, you make your way back up the Indian Staircase for a panoramic view from the top--totally worth the climb. The gift shop is delightfully eclectic, with a great selection of rocks, crystals, and local souvenirs. It's the kind of place where you'll definitely find something unexpected. This is a perfect spot for families--easy to navigate, fun to explore, and memorable for all ages. Everyone we saw there was smiling, and our group left talking about when we'd come back again. Highly recommend!

A great place for respite from the heat. The trail takes about 45 minutes round-trip, and it might…read morebe closed if it's recently rained: The stones and mosses get very slippery. This is a great place for birders: Thrushes, vireos and wrens are found here

We Did the blue, red and yellow trails around the ponds off of Vail rd . Before that we started…read moredown the Cattauragus creek trail on other side of gorge but we decided we were not up for THAT challenge this time w/ 300 ft decend and climb. Fall colors were perfect and temp in 60s was great. Area is Somewhat developed but trails are rough and narrow in many places.

Have been going to Zoar Valley since my Dad started taking me back in the late 40's. The only…read morereason I gave it 4 stars is that it is not an area to mess around playing superman and such. There are people that need to get way to close to the unseerable overhang. They can and have taken a very long drop to the bottom. Play safe and it is a great place to enjoy hiking and swimming. Seem to have lost my pics. Figures.

This is an update to a review I originally wrote 11 years ago, and somehow, I love Allegany State…read morePark even more now than I did then. I've been coming here since I quite literally fit into a bucket (not exaggerating). Allegany has been a constant for me and probably the beginning of my love for everything outdoors. Growing up, my family spent Columbus Day weekends camping here, originally along McIntosh Trail and later at Summit Trail near the Art Roscoe Ski Area and fire tower on the Red House side of the park. Now, they go extra fancy and stay on Bova Trail. Over the years, Allegany became the backdrop for countless adventures from tent camping, cabin stays, hiking, geocaching, and just being together outdoors. These days, instead of Columbus Day, I usually start the year here by staying in a cabin and doing the First Day Hike with my dad. While my most recent visit wasn't the best, it doesn't erase the years of great memories before it. I've visited Allegany in every season, but autumn will always be my favorite thanks to the foliage. The trails shine in summer and fall. I've backpacked the North Country Trail through the park, hiked nearly every trail, and uncovered some lesser known gems along the way. I participate in the park's hiking challenges, serve on the board of the Allegany State Park Historical Society, and appreciate organizations like Friends of Allegany for the work they do to protect and enhance this place. The Red House Restaurant serves up some good times and great food, too. From Thunder Rocks to the Bear Caves, beaches, creeks, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, geocaching (including night caches and GeoBash!), and endless quiet corners, Allegany surely offers something for everyone. It's located a mere hour and 45 minutes from Buffalo and to me, it's a crown jewel of the New York State Park system. My advice? Do a little research before you go so you can make the most of your visit. Stop by the Administration Building on the Red House side, explore Thunder Rocks or the Bear Caves, and camp if you can. And whatever you do... don't feed the bears!

Beautiful place! I didn't explore everything and it was my first visit…read more $7 to drive in. A huge lake A small dock to launch from in a canoe/paddle board A beach. Paved trail to ride bike (or electric scooter, etc.) 2 trails I saw for hiking in foot. 1 mile trail and 5 mile. Maybe there's more somewhere. This was near the building with the restaurant, gift shop, etc. I took the shorter (1 mile). It was really nice and shaded by the trees. Not too challenging. I saw the restaurant inside and outside. The inside was just a casual area upstairs. I thought the patio was a muncher better option. There's a nice outdoor area with wooden lounge chairs to take in the view. Gift shop is average ... clothes and trinkets with Ellicottville on them, snacks and drinks. There's some rooms with taxidermy showing you names of different animals; especially birds and their eggs. I saw a creek off the bike trail and many people were swimming in there. I saw a wetland area. Didn't see anything there (no animals).

Good open air space for people of all ages who need to see some sky. The cinder walking track is…read moreabout eight laps to a mile; no public restrooms except during games.

The Rim Rock Overlook and Picnic Area offer spectacular views of the Kinzua Valley, the Allegheny…read moreReservoir, and the dam. It's comprised of a mountaintop series of huge sandstone boulders. The huge rocks are a lot of fun to climb about but beware of rattlesnakes. I was born in the Town of Kinzua which, despite the objections of the Seneca Indian Nation, which had a treaty signed by George Washington covering their sections of land for as long as the grass grew and the sun shined, was broken, and flooded. So, as striking as the view may be, you're looking at yet another despicable act of a broken treaty with an Indian Nation. For the view, 5 Yelp Stars, for its appalling background of perfidy, I'll let you decide. By the way, the lake is commonly known as Lake Perfidy by the indigenous Seneca people.

This is a beautiful area that overlooks the Allegheny Reservoir. You can park near Kinzua Beach and…read morehike up to the Rim Rock Overlook or you can drive up and park at the top and take a short walk to the overlook. There are a lot of large rocks and boulders that make for interesting exploration opportunities. There's a narrow staircase that cuts right through the rocks as part of the trail between the beach and the overlook. Whichever option you choose, the overlook is gorgeous and worth checking out the view!

Stony Brook Park is a must visit when in the Keuka Lake area and looking for an outdoor experience…read more The parking lot fits plenty of cars and there's clean bathrooms onsite. There are 4 different trails you can hike if you feel up to it but we recommend the Gorge Trail & East Rim Trail. This loop can be difficult on the knees with all the steps and unbalanced areas. Absolutely beautiful park and afterwards you can swim in the clear cold water. We had a blast and was a highlight of our trip.

The whole experience was superb and wonderful. My friends and I decided to hike on a rainy day…read more(bring a poncho, umbrella and careful of slippery rocks!). We did the gorge trail; filled with beautiful rocks, wonderful waterfalls small and big & the greenery. Be prepared to take a few stairs. (On the way and back). When we reached the end of the trail we were a little lost as it isn't a complete loop. We took the west elm trail back which was more woodsy than the first one. This is a peaceful place and camping would be lovely here (there's campgrounds.) aside from wild birds, we did encounter a rabid groundhog that was going in circles, so be wary (I mean this is the case for all wildlife parks!) Bonus, the bathrooms are super clean, probably the cleanest bathrooms I've ever witnessed.

This multi-use park is the site of the local Farmer's Market in summer and autumn; there are…read moreconcerts from the pavilion during scheduled summer evenings; and it's the site of historic and modern political protests.

I've always loved this park. Centrally located in Olean with convenient shops nearby for food and…read moredrink, it's a comfortable place to spend a hot summer day, or a drizzly spring one. There's plenty of shade and places to sit, as well as great opportunities for people watching. For Pokemon fans there's also two gyms and a Pokestop here, making it a great place to wile away the day while collecting supplies and bagging critters. The park is also home to two of Olean's squirrel statues, icons that can be found throughout the city. There are also festivals here throughout the year, including live music during the summer. Winter sees the park bedecked in beautiful lights and a wonderful Christmas display, and some of the cities parades go by here as well. Overall it is a beautiful and safe park perfect for families.

We were the only ones there so parking was easy. There are only about 4-5 actual parking spaces but…read morecars can also park along the right hand side of the road. The rocks in some area in the creek are tough so water shoes or crocs are recommended. There is a ton of flat spaces though once past the rocks and it's really awesome to just play there on the edge of it with the current pushing you along to the deeper side.

It's a cute little park that's known for the large dam. It offers beautiful views and a nice quiet…read moreatmosphere. Trout fishermen love it here during the spring and fall months best known for trout fishing. People will pile ontop of eachother while casting. It's also a nice park for a quick hike or picnic with the family! There are two parking lots, one on each side of the creek but please be mindful of where you are walking/fishing. There are lots of posted signs for private property.

I'm a huge fan of Griffith Park. This cultures are super fun and interesting. You can climb on them…read moreand touch them and otherwise engage with them. This year I was here for part of the Outside chronicles, hiking challenge, as were other people I saw here.I hope it continues to thrive as a place for locals to be able to come and do an interesting hike with their families. They have easy parking access at the bottom of the hill, and there is a suggested donation through Venmo or other apps.

Nice hike through the park. Lots of sculptures. Can easy spend a few hours there. Pond at the…read morebottom. Castle up top Is cool

Wow so amazing to see. The museum inside has a wealth of information also. Fall time here has to be…read morebeautiful!!

Beautiful views! Highly recommend checking this park out. There is also a nice free museum inside…read moreof the visitor center that's worth looking through.