Hiking and Mountain Biking in Hunters Creek Park WNY

On April 25, we hiked in Hunter Creek Park, an area that several friends had told us about, but which we had not explored until this day. The park has several well-marked trails, including a section of the Finger Lakes Trail and the Conservation Trail.

The park is very popular for mountain biking. Probably the busiest trail we've been on in a while, we shared the park that day with several bikers, bird-watchers, horse-back riders, and hikers from the local chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

We chose a four-mile section of the Conservation Trail. It was a good choice, as the scenery offered several streams, ravines, and thick woods. Several sections of the trail were extremely muddy and so the boardwalks were much appreciated.

All of a sudden, we came upon a deep gorge. On another day, with the proper gear, we might choose to descend the gorge. Because of the foliage, it was difficult to capture the breathtaking view on film.

Many of the trees were unusually formed, such as the two pictured here. I thought the one on the left looked like a buck with antlers. Karl thought it looked like a goblin with outstretched arms.

On our return trip, for a change of scenery, we followed the grassy route of a pipeline that cuts through the park.

Hunter Creek Park is located in the town of Wales. There are two entrances to the park. The pink trail, part of which is pictured at left, can be accessed by via Colegrave Road.

The Conservation Trail, described above, can best be reached via Hunter Creek Road, off of route 78.

Hunters Creek County Wilderness
Hunters Creek Road
Wales, NY 14169

Hunters Creek park Directions: Take 400 South to East Aurora exit. Turn east onto Big Tree Road, drive 2.1 miles. Turn right at fork onto NY 78. Go 1.2 miles then turn south onto Hunter Creek Road. Turn right onto gravel road, follow a few hundred feet then park. Look for the orange painted blazes, which is The Conservation Trail.
Click Here to view map.

Links Related to Hunters Creek Park

Our guidebook for today's hike was 50 Hikes in Western New York, by William P. Ehling. Check out my review of this book

Try to find the geocache in Hunters Creek Park!

Photos by Jennifer and Karl Weir, 1998 and May, 1999