Buffalo's Top Walking Trails: Rated by Distance and Difficulty

The most popular walking trail in Buffalo this summer is once again the Outer Harbor Shoreline Trail-a 4.2-mile, mostly flat loop along Fuhrmann Boulevard drawing hundreds daily seeking both challenge and scenic views.

This surge comes as Buffalonians increasingly use outdoor spaces to combat stress, burn calories and connect socially, with local health organizations like Independent Health Foundation reporting participation in group walks up 18% since 2022. City officials say foot traffic through signature parks-including Delaware Park and the Buffalo Harbor State Park-has consistently topped pre-pandemic levels, a sign that fitness routines are migrating outdoors as gyms remain crowded.

From Delaware Park to the Riverwalk: Trail Standouts

One of the city’s best-known fitness corridors is the Delaware Park Ring Road, encircling the park for a measured 1.77-mile asphalt loop hugged by Grandview Avenue and Lincoln Parkway. It’s rated easy, with only 38 feet of elevation gain, making it perfect for both casual strollers and energetic lunchtime runners. Stand at Gates Circle on a July morning and you’ll see a blend of families, dog walkers, and serious distance athletes using the wide, car-free path every hour.

For those seeking longer and slightly tougher terrain, the Riverwalk section from Broderick Park (at the tip of West Ferry) south through Riverside Park and down toward the Peace Bridge covers nearly 8 miles, with a moderate rating due to periodic inclines and exposed wind gusts off the Niagara River. Park designers have posted new signage on the stretch between Hertel Avenue and Ontario Street, making it easier to measure your progress, and the route’s popularity with cyclists and group fitness meet-ups has spiked on weekends-a recent Saturday morning saw the Buffalo Walkers Meetup Club log more than 40 participants on the Riverside leg.

Numbers Back the Movement

In 2025, the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy tallied over 1.1 million visitors to its 850 acres of parks, with walking and hiking cited as the top recreational activity. The city’s Division of Parks & Recreation maintains more than 20 designated multi-use trails ranging from the 0.7-mile South Park Lake Loop (easy, paved) to the 2.4-mile Cazenovia Park Loop, which challenges walkers with two steep bridge crossings and unpaved stretches. Parking remains free at most trailheads; independent guided walking tours, like those run by Explore Buffalo, start at $15 per person.

Local gear shops, such as Campus WheelWorks, report a 23% jump in walking shoe and hydration pack sales since last spring-a strong indicator Buffalo residents are taking their step counts seriously even as inflation squeezes other recreational budgets.

Buffalo’s annual Step Out Buffalo Challenge returns August 17, with a free app tracking your miles on any public trail across the city-a nudge for even beginners to lace up and try a new route.

For anyone looking to start a summer fitness routine, city health educators suggest choosing a loop that matches your comfort level: Delaware Park for flat ground and easy laps, the Riverwalk for distance and wind, or Cazenovia Park for a real cardio challenge. Maps, distances, and current conditions are available through the Buffalo Olmsted Parks app and on-site message boards. If venturing farther or tackling longer routes, bring water, sun protection, and check for posted trail advisories after heavy rain.