Here in Western New York, Niagara Falls is our most well-known series of waterfalls. However, they are not our only ones—Western New York boasts a number of these impressive bodies of water, all visible via short hikes through our state parks. They include:
1. Akron Falls - Akron Falls Park in Akron, Erie County
Just a short hike and you wind up at this little oasis along Murder Creek (see here for the legend behind the eerie name). The waterhole is a great escape on a hot summer day.
2. Eternal Flame Falls - Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, Erie County
Park your car at Seufert Rd. and take a stroll following the Blue Trail, where you will eventually walk up Shake Creek to find a flame burning underneath the falls. This unique phenomenon occurs from a combination of pockets of natural methane gas escaping from Hanover Shale, and helpful passers-by that occasionally have to relight the flame if it goes out.
3. Lower Falls and Upper Falls - Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County
Lower Falls, Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, is home to a some of the region’s most remarkable waterfalls along the Genesee River.
