Off the Beaten Path: exploring the WNY Hiking Challenge

Registered hikers earn points for each route they complete between May 1 and Nov. 15, as well as exclusive resources including digital maps and trail descriptions.

Explorers who earn 75 points throughout the challenge are rewarded with a finisher patch and bragging rights—plus the health benefits of moving their bodies outdoors in nature. Organized by local guide service the Outside Chronicles, the challenge has raised over $300,000 for local environmental and conservation causes.

WNY Hiking Challenge trails are grouped into four difficulty levels; here, four seasoned hikers share their favorites.

Easier Trails (3 points each)

Of the 12 easier trails in the challenge, Birdsong Park in Orchard Park is a favorite for Kate Trotto, who lives nearby and hikes there often with her three children under age 5 to nurture their love for nature.

“It’s a safe and beautiful place, and I love that there are different spots to explore, including lovely benches next to little ponds, which are great for rest stops for little legs,” she says. “All of the trails interconnect, which means we can take different paths and vary the length based on time or kid energy levels.”

Moderate Trails (5 points each)

For a moderate choice, Laura Kielb Timms of Orchard Park likes the trails that wind through massive boulders at Rock City & McCarty Hill State Forest just south of Ellicottville. She recommends bringing accurate trail maps and footwear with solid traction to navigate the rocky sections of the trail with confidence.

“Rock City is a family favorite because it feels like an adventure in a world far away,” she explains. “The giant rocks and sharp, angled edges create crevices large enough to walk through, yet small enough to feel like a tunnel.”

Difficult Trails (8 points each)

For a North Buffalo hiker who goes by Maren, Mount Tuscarora Trail at Allegany State Park offers an uphill challenge she finds rewarding. Like many trails in the region, she says that downed trees after storms can create additional obstacles, but they’re all passable with patience.

“It’s a straight up climb and then walk along the ridge for a while,” she says. “It’s a fairly well marked trail that I do every few years, generally solo since most people I know here aren’t super interested in the longer distance or challenging hikes.”

Strenuous Trails (15 points each)

At just over 20 miles in length, the trail known as “Banana Pancakes” at Allegany State Park is Debbie Smith’s favorite among the challenge’s hardest hikes.

The Buffalo-based outdoorswoman hikes this trail with a friend—two people means two cars, one parked at the beginning of the route and one at the end. She also appreciates the creature comforts along this steep terrain.

There are three lean-tos throughout the trail where you can stop for a snack or lunch,” she explains. “One of them is right by rushing water and is so peaceful. The distance between each is perfect for spacing out breaks, in my opinion. Going southbound, the first lean-to has an outhouse, which also comes in handy. This ultra-hike takes you through all of Allegany—it’s really exciting to experience the entire park in one day.”