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The Owens Falls Sanctuary
4.4 ★★★★☆ 125 Google reviews · Running trail in East Aurora, New York · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from The Owens Falls Sanctuary's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Nature preserve and park featuring trails running along cliffs to cascade-style waterfalls..
What runners say about The Owens Falls Sanctuary
“Beautiful waterfalls, one after another, probably best seen before the leaves are fully out.”
“Easy trails, benches along the way and not too busy or muddy.”
Great secluded park. Enjoyeable trail! Once you enter the wooded area it is very cool. Benches strategically placed in key areas. Be sure to keep an eye in little ones, pets or those with balance issues as there are some high cliff areas. Was worth the drive and walk for us.
A 2.0 miles easy walk loop. Gorgeous in the fall when we went. If you are in need of a little forest bathing this is the place. Lots of benches on the trail. However watch out for lots of tree roots. If you have children hold on to them,, watch out for cliffs sometimes hard to see until you are at the edge of it.
Hidden treasure. Lots of scenic views. Pretty easy trail. If you have very young children who are impulsive, this may not be for you. Some areas of the trail do follow the edge of a steep cliff and there is no barrier.
This was a nice little walk. I was a little disappointed because we couldn't find a way to the other side of the falls but that was on us lol. I would love to go back when it's more filled in with leaves and greenery
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful waterfalls, one after another, probably best seen before the leaves are fully out.”
“There's a small parking lot off of Center street that's a little difficult to find at first.”
“Note: no dogs allowed here; while the trail is easy there are some steep drop offs around the waterfall.”
“Easy trails, benches along the way and not too busy or muddy.”
“Note: no dogs allowed here; while the trail is easy there are some steep drop offs around the waterfall.”
“Not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.”
Plan your run at The Owens Falls Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitewnylc.org
- Phone(716) 687-1225
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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