Western-Ny

The largest state park in New York at 65000 acres with two separate recreation areas, beaches, campgrounds, cabins, and over 80 miles of trails. The Red House and Quaker areas each have their own beach, campground, and trail system. Kids love the Art Roscoe ski area in summer for mountain biking and the Thunder Rocks area for scrambling on massive boulders. The park has a store, restaurants, and cabin rentals, making it easy to plan a multi-day family trip. Stargazing is incredible here with very little light pollution.

A dramatic hiking trail along the bottom of the Niagara Gorge below the Falls with massive boulders, whirlpool rapids, and views you cannot get from the top. The trail descends 300 steps into the gorge and follows the river past huge rock formations. The power of the rapids at the Whirlpool is humbling and the boulder scrambling keeps older kids engaged. This is a challenging trail that requires sure footing and is not for young children. The Discovery Center at the top has exhibits on gorge geology. A completely different perspective on Niagara Falls.

A privately run nature park with a one-mile trail winding through massive ancient rock formations with crevices, passageways, and caves that kids can explore. The rock outcroppings are over 300 million years old and rise up to 60 feet high. Kids absolutely love squeezing through narrow passages and climbing on the rocks. Some crevices require flashlights and a sense of adventure. The forest of old-growth hemlock and white pine adds to the atmosphere. This is one of those places where kids beg to go back.

A wild and rugged gorge carved by Cattaraugus Creek with 600-foot canyon walls, old-growth forest, and deep swimming holes. The creek has carved a dramatic canyon through the landscape and the old-growth hemlocks and white pines are some of the largest in the state. Accessing the swimming holes requires hiking and creek crossings so this is best for families with older adventurous kids. The canyon is ungroomed and wild, which is exactly its appeal. This feels like wilderness despite being in western New York.