Winter hiking, whether hiking or skiing, is a great cardio activity that gets you outdoors, exploring less crowded trails, and enjoying the soothing sights and sounds of our parks and preserves.
Quiet paths combined with bare trees make it easy to spot wildlife. During our last visit to these places we saw owls, turkeys, deer, foxes, vultures, hawks and gulls, ducks and several geese.
We are all beginners at one point or another. So let's start with some easy places to walk. These five winter trails, depending on the weather, can be done with snowshoes or micro-studpa. There may be snow cover during the hike. We also tell you when and why you should wear snowshoes and micro-studpa, and where you can rent or buy them.
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Located along Buffalo Creek, Burchfield offers a beautiful, natural and family-friendly environment to start your winter 2023 hiking and wellness goals. There are many well-marked trails and boardwalks that wind through the 29-acre park. Walking along the 3 km path, you will find many works of art in nature, such as the Sculpture Garden and House and the Meditation Garden.
If you're at the Birchfield Art and Nature Center in West Seneca, check out the colorful branches in this painting titled "Sinisteria" by artist Frank O'Connor.
Not to be missed is artist Frank O'Connor's colorful escape Sinisterium, a shelter made primarily of fallen branches. The multi-colored branches look good in the fresh white snow. Get inside the skin and if the sun shines, it will illuminate the inside and create a magical effect. A trail map and additional information is available at burchfieldnac.org.
This spectacular scene is on its way to Buckhorn Island State Park in Grand Island.
Occupying the northern tip of Grand Island, Buckhorn contains 895 acres of woodlands, grasslands and wetlands where wetland restoration and tree planting projects are underway. Recent winter storms have severely damaged the park's trees, but park staff diligently protect the trails from heavy debris.
We recommend the 2.5 mile red trail with sidewalk parking along East River Boulevard. There are no restrooms along the way, so plan ahead. The paths are covered with forest, but from winter you can see "bare" trees, a forest and a river. For an alternative hike, stop at the Eagle Overlook and Kayak Launch on the West River Parkway. This spot is a prize in itself (bald eagle sightings) and also puts you on the trail for the short yellow trail, another easy out and back hike, just a mile away. Both routes are flat, with many dirt roads. Bonus: There is a small harbor on this route. Find a trail map at parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/BuckhornIslandTrailMap.pdf.
Bridges, water and nature complement the beauty of the winter forest.
Home to presidents, musicians, politicians, prominent millionaires, military heroes and everyday buffoons, the cemetery is a vast repository of souls, sculptures, architecture, rugged landscapes and unforgettable wildlife. A dense network of winding paths interconnect and lead to every corner of the property. All trails are paved and although most of them are flat, there is some hilly terrain in the natural landscape. Paper maps of notable cemeteries and important memorials are available at 1990 Main St.
Highlights include Serenity Falls in Section 22. The new wetlands restoration project site in Section GG along Delaware Avenue also features walking trails, water bridges and benches for tired feet. Find a trail map at forest-lawn.com/plan-your-visit/map.
Hills, ponds, natural springs, quiet forests, wetlands and even a hidden waterfall are just a few of the activities you can enjoy hiking, walking, snowshoeing or skiing at Knox Farm State Park. With over 6 miles of trails, you can easily wander the 633-acre Knox Family Farm for hours.
A recent trip took us along the library trail along the parking lot into the woods. Just after entering the forest, you will see a funny library with some chairs. In the absence of visible route markers, trust the route map. We can't wait to go back to Knox Farm and hike to the hidden waterfall on Cazenovia Creek. An important guide can be found at friendofknoxfarm.org.
Grab your best friend and enjoy a winter hike on Chestnut Ridge in Orchard Park.
Perhaps the poster child's playground for a "winter wonderland," Chestnut Ridge has plenty of easy to moderate winter trails for walking, hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. On a winter day you can bring your skis and ski down the slopes, then warm up with a hot drink in the casino by the fireplace.
The reservoir trail is short, scenic and easily accessible for hiking and snowshoeing. You can't lose. Game is plentiful, such as rabbits, deer and hawksbill turtles. Park at the fishing pier and begin the 8-mile loop. Trail maps are available at www3.erie.gov/parks/chestnut-ridge.
Winter walking shoes . The basics start with good winter hiking boots. You want a pair that hugs the ankle (leave your sneakers at home) and goes with snowshoes and micro studs. Trekking boots are the basis of your winter equipment. If you can only choose one piece of gear to invest in, choose a good pair of winter hiking boots. Plan to spend between $90 and $200.
Snowshoes. When the snow is more than 6 inches deep or going uphill, snowshoes attached to your boots will distribute your weight and prevent you from sinking into the snow. Snowshoes are easier and less tiring than boots and your feet will stay dry. If you're just starting out, try renting a pair at the locations below. Rent for about $15 or buy between $120 and $200.
Micro Spikes Micro Spikes are your best friend when snowmelt turns to ice. Made of zipper and mushroom, set in a rubber frame, the micro-studs fit all types of boots. They are easy to put on and take off and are ideal for packed snow and ice sheets. A good pair will last you forever and you can wear them shoveling snow, walking the dog, and picking up the mail. Plan to spend between $20 and $100.
Snowshoe rentals are free with a library card at the following locations in Buffalo and Erie counties: Boston Free Library, Anna Reinstein Library, Downtown Central Library, Elaine M. Panty Branch Library, Isaiah Gonzalez-Soto Branch Library and the Collins City Library. For a small fee, rentals can be arranged at: Gear for Adventure, Campus Wheelworks, Genesee County Park and Woods, Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, and Reinstein Woods Nature Center.
Jennifer and Bill are local friends and co-authors of Hidden Places: 25 Beautiful Trails of Western New York. Learn more at Insiders-Outside.com.
Winter weather is here and it's important to walk safely on sidewalks and hiking trails.
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