A Trail for Everyone

by Doug Sitler

If you’re an exercise-minded individual visiting the Buffalo-area, in particular locations near the suburb of Amherst and the University at Buffalo, you may want to take advantage of the Town of Amherst’s six paved bike and exercise trails that total over 22 miles. Ranging from the .9 mile I-990 Trailway to the 7.2 mile Ellicott Creek Trailway, there are a variety of paths that offer something for everyone.

The trails are set in nicely manicured greenways throughout Buffalo’s largest suburb. Many of the trails reside on the outer edges of housing developments and office parks, which allow for a tranquil walk or ride.

The trail that I’ve recently enjoyed multiple-times is the Ellicott Creek Trailway. There are numerous parking lots and entrances along the path, so accessibility is not an issue. The Ellicott Creek Trailway follows the creek that it’s named after, which provides some unexpected experiences in nature. One recent visit we saw a giant Blue Heron standing in the middle of the creek, on other visits we’ve seen deer at the water’s edge. This particular path takes you around the perimeter of the University at Buffalo and onward to Ellicott Creek Park.

The Amherst Canalway Trail is also a trail that I have explored with my mountain bike. The 5.7 mile trail takes you along the banks of the New York State Barge Canal (aka The Erie Canal). Much like the Ellicott Creek Trailway, you will experience numerous animal species, as well as watch recreational boaters slowly cruise the canal.
For more a map of the Amherst Bike and Exercise Path system, visit: http://eap.buffalo.edu/aom/documents/bikepath.pdf

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Buffalo Biking Secrets

by Doug Sitler

No question, one of my favorite activities in Buffalo is riding my bike. Throughout the years my trusty Trek mountain bike and I have explored many areas, neighborhoods and sites around the city. The natural and metropolitan landscape of the city offers unlimited bike riding adventures for riders of all levels. Five of my favorite bike rides that offer unique experiences in Buffalo include:

Forest Lawn Cemetery – under a beautiful canopy of trees, this massive cemetery adjacent to Delaware Park offer miles of bike riding opportunities. You can enjoy a tranquil ride past jaw-dropping examples of funerary art and architecture, sculpture and the final resting place of some of the United States’ most prominent citizens. 

Riverwalk Bike Path – beginning in downtown Buffalo, this path follows the Niagara River northward to the Erie Canal city of North Tonawanda. On this path, you’ll see Buffalo’s waterfront community, the Frank Lloyd Wright Boathouse, the Peace Bridge and much more. 

Erie Basin Marina & Cobblestone District – In this ride you can get an upclose look at the cobblestone streets around HSBC Arena, Buffalo & Erie County Naval Park, the Erie Basin Marina Gardens, and the Buffalo Lighthouse. 

Richmond Avenue – a majestic Buffalo Street lined with large Victorian homes that features bike lanes for a safe and unobstructed ride. 

Delaware Park – Scajaquada Bike Path – enjoy the 1.7 mile ring road around Delaware Park, before embarking on the Scajaquada Bike Path that will take you past the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Museum and onward to the Niagara River and the Riverwalk Bike Path.

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