Secret Places of Western New York: 25 Scenic Hikes

by Jennifer Hillman, William McKeever, Bruce Kershner

Overview

Discover secret and scenic day hikes within a day’s drive of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Secret Places of Western New York: 25 Scenic Hikes is more than a trail guide. Hidden in these pages, you’ll uncover what makes these hikes special enough to be a Secret Place. Both lifetime locals and visitors to the region will be guided to the best paths and trails throughout the Niagara, Buffalo, Rochester, and Southern Tier regions. Hike to grottos where the only sound is the trickle of water, crawl through hidden caves, commune with nature in ancient forests, stumble upon tucked away treasures like lonely graves, splash on secluded beaches and creeks, admire towering waterfalls, and if you dare, step under the cascade yourself. Find historical carvings on rocks and trees that many walk past but never see, and be awestruck when ice volcanoes erupt on the shores of Lake Erie. These outdoor adventures appeal to a range of abilities, with most hikes accessible for the whole family. Co-authors Jennifer Hillman and William McKeever have teamed up with Bruce Kershner’s literary estate to encourage the next generation of explorers to discover 25 compelling secret and not-so-secret scenic day hikes within Western New York. Go take a hike!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781681063683
Publisher:	Reedy press, LLC.
Publication date:	04/01/2022
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	410,052
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Bruce Kershner (4/17/502/16/07) was a naturalist, ecologist, educator, and author. He authored dozens of books, most notably Secret Places: Scenic Treasures of Western New York and Southern Ontario. Bruce was named “Environmentalist of the Year” by the Sierra Club, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and New York State. As executive director of the Buffalo Audubon Society, William McKeever worked with Bruce on environmental advocacy projects to protect the old-growth forests of DeVeaux Woods, Zoar Valley, and Allegany State Park. As fellow outdoor enthusiasts, Jennifer Hillman and William have hiked these trails over the course of 25 years.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments viii

Foreword Libby Kershner ix

Introduction xi

Overview Map

How to Use This Book xiv

Niagara Falls and to the East

1 Royalton Ravine and the 138-foot Swinging Bridge 1

2 Five-mile Meadow and the Last Landing at Stella Niagara 7

3 Artpark The Birthplace of Niagara 13

4 DeVeaux Woods Ancient Forest and the Lonely Grave 19

5 Devils Hole and the Cave of the Evil Spirit 25

6 Whirlpool Rapids, the Great Waves, and the Basin 31

7 The Lost Rail Trail of Niagara 37

8 The Portage: Niagara Gorge Upper Rim Trail 45

Buffalo and Erie County

9 The Ancient Forests of Reinstein Woods 55

10 Eternal Flames Falls and Shale Creek Gorge 61

11 Sister Beaches of Erie: The Bluffs, Ancient Trees, Sunken Boardwalks, and Ice Volcanoes 67

12 Weaving Your Way through Walton Woods 75

13 Eighteen Mile Creek Gorge: Secret Grottos, Tunnels, Fishing, and Fossils 95

Rochester Area

14 Swallow Hollow and the Frog Orgy Experience 103

15 Bizarre Badlands of New York State: Sodus Point and Chimney Bluffs 109

16 The Town of Peace: Ganondagan, Where the Iroquois Nation Was Born 115

Zoar Valley and Cattaraugus County Areas

17 Valentine Flats and Skinny Dip Beach 121

18 Canyon Country: Cattaraugus Creek and Gossamer Falls 127

19 Giant Fluted Cliff and Holcomb Pond 131

20 Deer Lick Preserve and Hair Pin Canyon 137

21 Towering Ancient Forests along the Continental Divide 143

22 Surreal Griffis Sculpture Park 149

Allegany to Dunkirk

23 Little Rock City Labyrinth 155

24 Bear Caves Crawl and Mount Seneca 163

25 Canadaway Creek: One of the Last Secret Beaches 169

Index by Location and County 173

Index by Feature 174