Picnic Areas

In case the name didn’t give it away, Akron Falls Park is home of two very beautiful waterfalls—one that is natural, and the other man-made. I read about the falls on a variety of websites, like Erie.gov/parks, and NYfalls.com, before heading to Akron. As I was driving to the park, all I could think about were the falls and the legend behind the waterway that fed them, Murder Creek. When I got there however, I was blown away before I even got to the water.

Akron Falls Park is full of playgrounds, ball fields and shelters. As I drove through the park, I could just envision what a popular place this must be in the summertime. The pavilions create a central gathering space for an experience that will blend both natural recreation, and man-made recreation. Almost every shelter was positioned just a short walk away from Murder Creek, allowing families to go and explore the upper and lower falls together. Then it would be back to the shelter, where the adults could cook lunch while the children play on the nearby playgrounds. It is definitely a location to consider when planning your next outdoor birthday party or family barbeque.

When I went to Akron Falls Park, there was still some snow on the ground that was obstructing the paths to the falls. This meant that, unfortunately, I was unable to safely make my way to the falls. Although I was upset about not seeing the falls in person, I found a serene and peaceful escape tucked away in the middle of the park. The Rock Garden was absolutely delightful, and after wandering around this enclosure I was perfectly satisfied with the park despite the fact that I didn’t hike to the falls. The stones in this garden were ornately arranged to create circular pathways around a small pond.

I can’t wait for some nicer weather, so I can head back to Akron Falls Park and take full advantage of it. I’m glad I got the chance to pass through the park ahead of time, because now I know to pack a cooler, rather than just some granola bars and water. A hike along Murder Creek and a barbeque in the park are definitely on my to-do list this summer.

What parks are on your summer to-do list?

Over the past couple of weeks, it seems as though Mother Nature has had a tough time deciding what she wants to do. More than once I have found myself with plans to go snowshoeing on the weekend only to wake up to soggy green landscapes, rather than the pristine, white blanket that I needed. Well, I’ve recently visited one of our Go Outside Map locations that will have something for you to do, snow or shine! Beaver Island State Park has a sledding hill, tons of trails, lots of birds, and much more.

When you head to Beaver Island, make sure to pack a little of everything, and check out the State Park Map to plan your route once your inside. I was lucky enough to visit while there was still some fresh snow on the ground. My friends and I took advantage of the weather and enjoyed the sledding hill. There was a parking area right behind the sledding hill, so we didn’t have to drag our sled far. It was an easy climb up the hill through two rows of trees.

When the idea of going to Knox Farm State Park was brought up to me, I envisioned a large patch of land with a few benches, a pavilion and a small pond. This is the standard for most parks I have visited and I love them all, but Knox Farm knocked my socks off. This 633-acre park, just outside the bustling, but quaint, village of East Aurora, transports you to a relaxing country get-away as soon as you step onto the first trail.

On my adventure to Griffis Sculpture Park, my anticipation grew every mile I got closer. I was lost in thought, mulling over the reviews I had heard from family and friends, suppressing my excitement to focus on the road. I was so lost in my thoughts that I actually passed the entrance to the park and had to turn around. Through the lush forest on both sides of Mill Valley Road pokes out a white sign indicating that I reached my destination: the Mill Valley Road site. Griffis Sculpture Park has another location at Rohr Hill Road, which is home to some of the larger, towering sculptures from local, national and international artists.

Our GrowWNY team loves finding an oasis of natural beauty where you would least expect it. Today we take you to Times Beach Nature Preserve in the City of Buffalo. Located on Fuhrmann Boulevard, right down the street from Tifft Nature Preserve, Times Beach Nature Preserve is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of downtown Buffalo even though it is just steps away. When entering Times Beach Nature Preserve, feel free to hook up a bike to the bike rack or relax on one of the many benches this Nature Preserve has to offer.  Stepping onto the trails, you are instantly greeted by beautiful butterflies and wildlife of all sorts like yellow finches, geese, grasshoppers and deer. Deer tracks can be seen on the trails, as well as bird feeders and bird nests. Today, I was told by a friendly park visitor that a doe was seen walking across the trails.