Hiking in WNY: Books and Resources

The Campgrounds of New York: A Guide to the State Parks and Public Campgrounds

New York State Parks: A Complete Outdoor Recreation Guide

Backpacker Magazine

Years ago, my husband received a subscription to Backpacker Magazine as a gift from a friend. Well, this has been one of the greatest gifts ever, and we now dutifully renew it every year. When the issue comes, we fight over who gets to read it first. The photos are amazing and the articles, which never talk down to the less athletic hiker, are full of useful information. I like the "Moveable Feast" section, which has recipes for trail food and camping meals. Our only gripe is that rarely are any hikes in New York State included.

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Fifty Hikes in Western New York: Walks and Day Hikes from the Cattaraugus Hills to the Genesee Valley, by William P. Ehling.

The author describes fifty different Western New York hiking areas, including popular sites like Letchworth and Allegany State Park, and lesser known hiking trails, such as those found in Carlton Hill and the Zoar Valley. Useful features of the book include topographic maps, details of flora and fauna, and a geological history for each area. Most of the hikes are short, ranging from between two and five miles. A few are longer - up to 19 miles - guaranteeing a pleasant excursion for hikers of all abilities.

I've lived in Erie County for 10 years. My husband has lived here all his life. Neither of us knew about most of the scenic spots Mr. Ehling described. Since buying this book, we have begun a new and rewarding hobby. Begun as merely an activity for getting out of the house, our hikes have strengthened us physically and spiritually. We've learned an appreciation for nature, and our marriage has grown stronger as our time spent together on the peaceful walks stimulates deep conversation. Mr. Ehling has truly given us a great gift.

50 Hikes in the Adirondacks

Fifty Hikes in Central New York: Hikes and Backpacking Trips from the Western Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes

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Secret Places: A Guide to 25 Little Known Scenic Treasures of the New York's Niagara-Allegheny Region, Including the Beautiful, the Bizarre, the Spec

Describes 25 day hikes in or near Western New York.

This is a great book for choosing family outings. Most of the hikes are short and easy, and all offer breathtaking scenery or unusual geographic features. Some of the more interesting excursions described in this book include the Eternal Flame Falls at Shale Creek Preserves and Little Rock City.

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Take a Hike! Family Walks in the Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley Region, by Rich and Sue Freeman.

Describes 51 hikes in the Buffalo, Rochester, and Fingerlakes areas. Some of the featured hikes that we've done include Akron Falls Park, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, and Beaver Meadow Nature Center.

There are several features I really like about this book. First, it lets you know if dogs are allowed, which I appreciated since Sadie almost always accompanies us on our hikes. It gives detailed information for each hike, including length, level of difficulty, and the surface of the trail (mowed grass, paved, dirt, etc.). This information is particularly helpful since we like to know whether to bring a back carrier or a stroller for our infant son, Max. Finally, it gives space for each hike to write in the notes and the date hiked.

Two In The Wilderness: Adventures Of A Mother And Daughter In The Adirondack Mountains

Other Resources

• Rochester City Guide at InfoRochester.com