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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.

With the last hour of the sun beating down on me, and the crisp fall air filling my lungs, I started the Outer Loop trail that connects the main office parking lot to the rest of the park. I passed through traditional barn buildings and continued on a paved trail bordered by fenced in pastures and rolling hills. The trail continued past the stables and to a small pond with a picnic table. There were quite a few ducks and geese feeding on the pond, which were entertaining to watch. I was also lucky enough to find a field full of deer at Knox Farm. It was simply breathtaking to see over 30 deer feeding, playing and sleeping in the field across from the exit of the park.

Not only is the wildlife impressive, but you get a glimpse into the past when you make it to the middle of the park and see the former Knox Estate, the large country home of the Knox family.  You may know this wealthy Buffalo family as the founders of the Buffalo Sabres or for their support of the Albright Knox Art Gallery.  You can just picture the family enjoying a leisurely stroll or picnic in the 1920’s on the expansive grounds. The home was built in 1917 and is surrounded by hundreds of acres of land.

With hundreds of acres, it probably comes as no surprise that there are over six miles of trails you can walk, bike, or jog through the park. All the trails are extremely easy to hike; despite the rolling country hills in the park, there are no steep inclines or rough terrain on the marked trails. The best part? They all make one big circle, so it is rather impossible to get lost. Be warned though, there are a number of unnamed and unmarked trails. A printable version of the trail map can be found here, and it’s a good idea to take it along with you.

I came to Knox Farm with two eager dogs ready for a walk through the countryside, and they weren’t the only ones. I came across many families with their dogs during my hour walk. This park is extremely pet friendly, and even offers trails specially designed for horseback riding. The Knox family had a strong passion for sports such as polo, so on the outskirts of the park lies a polo field adjacent to the equestrian fields.

Knox Farm is a pleasant place for an evening escape, and it is remote enough so you feel like you are breaking away from the busy world for a little while. Yet, it is a well-traveled park, so you never feel alone in the middle of nowhere.

 

Have you ever walked through Knox Farm State Park? Tell us your favorite part of the park below.