A Path Less Travelled: Darien Lakes State Park
For many in the Western New York area, Six Flags Amusement Park in Darien, New York brings either excitement or boredom. Personally, having grown up only a ten-minute drive from the park, it got old quickly, but it still pulls people in from far and wide for a little summer getaway. However, just across the street, there is another park that garners little attention; Darien Lake State Park.
I generally frequent the park during the spring, as the streams and small waterfalls are fed by snowmelt, and I spent a substantial amount of time here during the lockdown in March 2020. Many of the hiking trails cut along ridge lines above Ellicott Creek and wind through birch and pine groves. There are also a surprising number of geocaches in the area, most of which are relatively easy to locate.
Lunch at a Lean-To
About The Park:
Darien Lakes offers quite a bit for such a small State Park, with over 150 campsites, a beach, a picnic island, hiking, fishing, biking, and more. The park charges a small fee for camping, shelter reservations, and other amenities. Backcountry camping is allowed at either of the two lean-tos located within the park and permits can be obtained at the park office. There are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy with trailheads located off Route 20 and Sumner Road.
To plan your trip or for more information, please visit the New York State Parks website.
