At Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve, you can collect and keep Devonian fossils in Erie County. These include trilobites, brachiopods, and crinoids. Here, you can experience the history of the Earth firsthand by searching for fossils: the fossil you are allowed to take home is part of the experience.
Gorges, riverbanks, and waterfalls
The natural areas of Erie County showcase a range of landscapes. At Eighteen Mile Creek Park, Eighteen Mile Creek has carved a 60-foot-deep gorge. By contrast, the riverbank is the focus at Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park: the park protects 3,000 feet of Buffalo River shoreline and provides nesting habitat for birds and turtles. Confirmed nests there include those of pileated woodpeckers and snapping turtles.
At Akron Falls, water cascades over the falls amid moss, ferns, dense forest, and cliffs. If you prefer to explore the landscape on trails, Erie County parks offer a wide range: trails vary from fully paved and easy to those with changing terrain and challenging sections. Sections of the Finger Lakes Trail run through county parks and are maintained as marked trails.
One specific loop in Como Lake Park starts at Boy Scout Grove and follows the Cayuga Creek Nature Trail back to the starting point. According to a county description updated on August 6, 2026, the Shoreline Trail is a continuous multi-use trail along Lake Erie and the Niagara River within Erie and Niagara counties. Phase 1 covers approximately 1.5 miles from Wendt Beach Park to Bennett Beach Park. Since trail sections and development status can change, check current route information before planning.
Trails, cycling, and winter activities
There are also clear differences between activities at the parks. The Ravine at Chestnut Ridge Park is an 18-hole disc golf course. The course at Ellicott Creek Park also has 18 holes and is designed for beginners. Ellicott Creek Park also has paved bike trails and a seasonal kayak launch. Multi-use trails at Sprague Brook Park are maintained by the WNY Mountain Biking Association.
In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available daily at Sprague Brook Park; conditions can affect availability. Groomed cross-country ski trails are available at Elma Meadows Golf Course and Sprague Brook Park. Bureau of Forestry trails can be used for hiking, snowshoeing, and ungroomed cross-country skiing. Options therefore vary not only by season, but also depending on whether you are looking for groomed or ungroomed trails.
The Adventure Bus offers free rides to park areas in Erie County that are not already served by public transit. Since schedules can change, it is worth checking the current timetable before planning.
Beaches, tours, and local events
Fishing and sunbathing are available at Bennett Beach Park. Swimming depends on posted conditions and the presence of lifeguards. This distinction is important when planning: all three activities are mentioned, but swimming is explicitly subject to conditions at the location.
The Buffalo Naval Park offers year-round experiences, including self-guided and guided tours as well as events. Schedules and access may change, so check the latest information before your visit. At the Buffalo Zoo, the Delta Sonic Heritage Farm offers close encounters with animals. The exhibit recreates a historic mid-19th-century farm featuring traditional farm animal breeds.
The Erie County Fair also pairs a recurring event with specific food offerings: it takes place annually, and vendors sell food and drinks there. Event dates and the program vary from year to year, and the selection of vendors also changes with each edition.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Orchard Park, Hamburg, Buffalo, Bowmansville, Clarence Center, Depew, Snyder, Cheektowaga, Grand Island, Tonawanda, Getzville, East Aurora, Angola, Collins, Clarence, Alden, Lackawanna.
For the higher-level travel overview: New York.
