5 Easy Winter Walks
Republished with permission from Buffalo News Gusto, January 29, 2023 - read full article here
A winter walk, whether hiking or snowshoeing, is a great cardio activity that gets you out into nature, exploring less crowded trails, and taking in the serene sights and sounds of our parks and preserves. Quieter trails coupled with bare trees make it easier to see wildlife. On recent trips to these locations we spotted barred owl, turkeys, deer, fox, eagles, hawks and a variety of gulls, ducks and geese.
At some point, we are all beginners. So let's start with a few easy places to hike. These five winter trails, depending on the weather, can be walked in hiking boots with or without snowshoes or microspikes. There may be snow cover when you hike. Well also share when and why to use snowshoes and microspikes and where you can rent or buy them.
Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center, West Seneca
Nestled along Buffalo Creek, Burchfield is a scenic, family-friendly natural environment to kickstart your 2023 winter walking and wellness goals. There are several well-marked trails and boardwalks that weave through the 29-acre park. As you wander along the 2 miles of trails, you'll discover numerous outdoor art installations including the garden and sculpture area and the meditation garden.
Not to be missed is the colorful "Sinisteria" installation by artist Frank O'Connor, a lean-to shelter made mostly from fallen branches. The brightly painted branches are stunning against a fresh white snowfall. Go inside the shelter and if the sun is shining, it will illuminate the interior riveted plates, creating a magical effect. A trail map and more info is at burchfieldnac.org.
Buckhorn Island State Park, Grand Island
Taking up the northern tip of Grand Island, Buckhorn's 895 acres encompass forest, meadows and marshland, with wetland restoration projects and tree plantings ongoing. Recent winter storms have taken a heavy toll on the park's trees, but Parks staff has been diligently keeping trails clear of heavy debris.
We recommend the Red Trail, a 2.5 mile in-and-out trail, with parking at the trailhead on East River Parkway. There are no bathroom facilities at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. The trails are thickly wooded, but with trees "naked" for winter, you can see further into forest and river. For an alternative hike, park at the Eagle Overlook & Kayak Launch on West River.
Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo: The final resting place of Presidents, funk musicians, politicians, gilded age millionaires, military heroes, and workaday Buffalonians, the cemetery is an enormous repository of remembered souls, sculpture, architecture, manicured vistas, and wild nature. A dense network of looping trails intersect with each other and bring you to all corners of the property. Trails are all paved and while many are flat, there are some rolling hills in the natural landscape. Paper maps with detailed locations of notable burials and significant memorials are available at the Margaret L. Wendt Archive and Resource Center at 1990 Main Street.
Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora: Rolling hills, ponds, natural springs, quiet wooded areas, wetlands and even a hidden waterfall are some of the remarkable features you can walk, hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski to at Knox Farm State Park. With over 6 miles of trails, you can easily spend hours wandering around the 633-acre pastoral setting that was the country estate of the Knox family.
Chestnut Ridge Erie County Park, Orchard Park: Perhaps the “winter wonderland” poster-child park, Chestnut Ridge has an abundance of easy-to-moderate winter trails that you can walk, hike, snowshoe, or cross country ski. You can bring a sled on a wintery day and take a run or two down the hill and then warm up afterwards with a nice hot drink at the casino next to the fire .
For easy hiking and snowshoeing, the Reservoir Trail is short, scenic, and simple to get to. You can’t get lost! Wildlife, like bunnies, deer, and snapping turtles are abundant. Park at the fishing pier and begin the.8-mile loop. Visit: https://www3.erie.gov/parks/chestnut-ridge for more information and trail maps.
Gear Up! Hiking Boots, Snowshoes, and Microspikes
The basics begin with a good pair of winter hiking boots. You want a pair that are insulated and waterproof, fit above your ankles (leave the sneakers at home), and can accommodate snowshoes, and microspikes. Hiking boots are the foundation of your winter gear. If you can only pick one piece of gear to invest in, choose a good pair of winter hiking boots. Plan on spending between $90-$200.
When the snow is more than 6-inches deep or if you’re hiking in elevation, snowshoes attached to your hiking boots will distribute your weight and keep you from sinking into the snow. Snowshoeing through a few inches of snow is easier and less tiring than just wearing hiking boots and they keep your feet dry. If you are just starting out, give them a try with a rental pair from the locations listed below. Rentals are around $15 or purchase between $120-$200.
When melted snow turns to ice, microspikes are your best friend. Made with chains and spikes, housed on a rubber frame, microspikes fit over all types of boots. They are easy to take on and off, and great for packed snow and ice patches. A good pair will last you forever and you’ll also use them to shovel snow, walk the dog, and get the mail. Plan on spending between $20-$100.
Gear and Rental Shops
Snowshoe rentals are free with a library card at the following Buffalo and Erie County branches: Boston Free Library, Anna Reinstein Library, Downtown Central Library, Elaine M. Panty Branch Library, Isaias Gonzalez-Soto Branch Library, Town of Collins Library. For a small fee, rentals can also be arranged from: Gear for Adventure, Campus Wheelworks, Genesee County Park & Forest, Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, and Reinstein Woods Nature Center.
Now, go out and take a hike!
