HomeNew YorkGrand Island › Buckhorn Island State Park

Buckhorn Island State Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 371 Google reviews · Running trail in Grand Island, New York · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Buckhorn Island State Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendlyQuiet

Wetland, meadow & forest reserve on 895 acres with trails for hiking, biking & cross-country skiing.

What runners say about Buckhorn Island State Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (371 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“The park is quiet, desolate, and beautiful, with trails stretching behind a pumping station and bordering marshland.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“The park is quiet, desolate, and beautiful, with trails stretching behind a pumping station and bordering marshland.”

I can't say enough about this park. A perfect distance to hike or run...in and out a total of 4 miles. It is between the Niagara river on one side and a wooded area on the other. Beautiful, quiet and at the end you are on a pier looking out at a distant view of Niagara falls.

★★★★★ — Peggy , Sep 2021

I would give it 5 stars. It's beautiful. It's just the number of ticks we brought home with us was a lot. I know that isn't the fault of anyone but it will make me hesitate heading out there again. Just take precautions. Wear long pants tucked into your socks and stay on the paths.

★★★★☆ — Katie , May 2022

I visited Buckhorn Island State Park (West Side)shortly after buying my 2012 Honda Shadow 750, and it turned into one of the most unforgettable rides of my life. The park is quiet, desolate, and beautiful, with trails stretching behind a pumping station and bordering marshland.

★★★★★ — Scott , Dec 2025

Recently I visited this place. In the fall it has another beauty than summer 😄. The place is very quiet and peaceful. Be careful while you are walking through the trail. I saw a snake this time. Moreover, I didn't find any restroom which was pathetic 😞.

★★★★☆ — Wasim , Nov 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 371 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“The park is quiet, desolate, and beautiful, with trails stretching behind a pumping station and bordering marshland.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“The park is quiet, desolate, and beautiful, with trails stretching behind a pumping station and bordering marshland.”

More trails like this →

🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Great place to walk your dog, keep in mind other people walk their dogs there as well.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Buckhorn Island State Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteparks.ny.gov
  • Phone+1 716-773-3271

Where to find Buckhorn Island State Park

E River Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072

Get directions

Running trails near Grand Island

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Buckhorn Island State Park Peninsula

4.6 ★★★★★ 36 reviews

Grand Island, NY

Scenic

Hiking, fishing and bird-watching park offering vistas of the river and falls.

1.2 miles away

Lasalle Waterfront Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 490 reviews

Niagara Falls, NY

Scenic

Park with a bike path, picnic areas, fishing, and barbecue grills, as well as a public restroom.

1.2 miles away

Griffon Park area - Niagara Falls Greenway Trail

3 ★★★☆☆ 1 reviews

Niagara Falls, NY

2.3 miles away

Margery Gallogly Nature Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 7 reviews

Grand Island, NY

Boardwalk

2.8 miles away

West River Trail

3.8 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews

Grand Island, NY

2.8 miles away

Nike Base Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 13 reviews

Grand Island, NY

3.0 miles away

All running trails in Grand Island, NY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.