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Running Trails
United States
New York
Erie County

Buffalo

The best running trails around Buffalo

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 10, 2026

If you've ever tried planning your next run, you know how overwhelming the options for jogging around Buffalo can be. With so many paths and parks, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, explored, and reviewed countless trails, and we've curated this guide to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the best running trails Buffalo NY has to offer.

Jogging in Buffalo means embracing a unique blend of historic green spaces and stunning waterfronts. You'll find yourself running through the expansive, Olmsted-designed parks or along the scenic shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River. The terrain here is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for all fitness levels, from easy loops to longer multi-use paths. It's a city that truly invites you to get out and move.

For a classic Buffalo experience, we'd start with the Delaware Park loop, a moderate 3.5 miles (5.7 km) path that winds through the historic Olmsted-designed park – perfect for a peaceful, scenic run. If you only do one route, however, make it the Fuhrmann Greenway. This popular 9.3 miles (14.9 km) trail offers fantastic waterfront views along the Outer Harbor, giving you that true Buffalo feel. With more than 300 runners having already explored Buffalo's routes with komoot, you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Fuhrmann Greenway
  2. 2

    Delaware Park loop
  3. 3

    Greenway Nature Trail & Fuhrmann Boulevard Side Path loop

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Fuhrmann Greenway

14.9 km

30 m

Moderate

Delaware Park loop

5.68 km

20 m

Moderate

Greenway Nature Trail & Fuhrmann Boulevard Side Path loop

5.87 km

10 m

Moderate

Tonawanda Rails to Trails

14.1 km

20 m

Moderate

Jesse Kregel Pathway

8.70 km

30 m

Moderate

South Park loop

3.02 km

10 m

Easy

Tifft Nature Preserve loop

5.83 km

10 m

Moderate

Times Beach Nature Preserve loop

2.37 km

10 m

Easy

Delaware Park – Hoyt Lake loop from LaSalle

14.6 km

50 m

Moderate

Running loop from Buffalo

6.26 km

10 m

Moderate

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1.

Fuhrmann Greenway

14.9km

01:34

30m

30m

The Fuhrmann Greenway offers a refreshing escape along Buffalo's Outer Harbor, providing a smooth, paved surface that's perfect for a continuous jog. As you move along the 9.3-mile (14.9 km) route, you'll be treated to expansive views of Lake Erie, the city skyline, and the impressive Buffalo Main Lighthouse. With only 104 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, this moderate trail is designed for quick, flatter running, making it an excellent choice for a 1 hour and 33 minute workout.

Planning your visit is easy, as the Fuhrmann Greenway is well-integrated into the Buffalo Outer Harbor development. The Fuhrmann Boulevard Pathway provides essential links, and the area is designed with pedestrian access in mind, suggesting convenient parking options. For an especially memorable experience, aim for an evening run to catch the spectacular sunset over the water, a unique sight for a Great Lakes city.

This greenway is more than just a jogging path; it's a vital connection point within a larger network, linking to trails like the Niagara Greenway and the Empire State Trail. The Outer Harbor itself is a significant cultural landscape, rich in industrial and maritime history, and serves as a globally important habitat for birds and pollinators. It truly offers the majesty of the Great Lakes within an urban setting.

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2.

Delaware Park loop

5.68km

00:35

20m

20m

The Delaware Park loop offers a refreshing jogging experience through Buffalo's renowned green space, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. You'll wind past the tranquil Hoyt Lake, through open meadows, and alongside wooded sections, enjoying varied scenery that makes the 3.5-mile (5.7 km) route feel dynamic. With a minimal 79 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, this moderate loop is perfect for a quick 35-minute run, providing a pleasant escape into nature.

Parking is readily available around Delaware Park, making it convenient to access for your run. While the park is enjoyable year-round, consider visiting in the spring or fall for comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural beauty. For summer jogs, early mornings or late afternoons are best to beat the heat, ensuring a more comfortable experience on the trails.

Delaware Park is celebrated as the "jewel" of Buffalo's Olmsted park system, a nationally recognized "greatest place in America." Beyond the natural beauty, the park integrates significant cultural institutions like the Buffalo Zoo and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, adding a unique blend of recreation and culture to your outing. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a scenic, accessible, and historically rich jogging destination.

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3.

Greenway Nature Trail & Fuhrmann Boulevard Side Path loop

5.87km

00:36

10m

20m

The Greenway Nature Trail & Fuhrmann Boulevard Side Path loop offers a refreshing escape with urban and natural waterside scenery right in Buffalo, New York. This 3.6-mile (5.9 km) paved pathway is perfect for a quick jog, featuring minimal elevation gain of just 47 feet (14 metres) and taking around 36 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy continuous views of the Outer Harbor and the city skyline, with notable spots like Wilkeson Point providing excellent vantage points to take it all in. Despite its moderate difficulty rating, the flat terrain makes it surprisingly accessible for most.

Planning your visit is easy, as parking is readily available along Fuhrmann Boulevard. This multi-use path is dog-friendly, though you'll need to keep your furry friend on a leash. It's an ideal route for a casual outing, offering a pleasant environment for jogging, walking, or cycling, especially during pleasant weather when the views are at their best.

What makes this loop stand out is how much scenery it packs into a relatively short distance. It's a fantastic option for those seeking an easy, high-payoff outdoor activity without venturing far from the city. The trail's accessibility to the Outer Harbor also means you might spot fishermen or commercial boaters, adding to the dynamic waterside atmosphere.

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4.

Tonawanda Rails to Trails

14.1km

01:27

20m

20m

The Tonawanda Rails to Trails offers a pleasant and varied jogging experience across its predominantly flat, paved, and crushed gravel surfaces. You'll journey through a mix of residential and commercial areas, past schools and parks, and into more tree-lined sections, with a highlight being the old railroad bridge crossing Ellicott Creek. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like turkeys and various bird species as you enjoy the accessible pathway.

Planning your jog is easy, with multiple parking options available at spots like Ives Park, Walter M. Kenney Field, and Lincoln Park. The trail is well-maintained with clear signage and safety features like HAWK signals at major intersections, making it a stress-free choice for a run. It's an excellent option for those looking for a consistent, easy route without significant elevation changes.

This trail is built on the historic rail bed of the NY & Erie RR, dating back to the 1880s, giving it a unique historical context. It seamlessly connects to the North Buffalo Rails to Trails, expanding your options, and is designed to be wheelchair accessible, making it truly inclusive. The 8.7-mile (14.1 km) route, with only 56 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete.

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5.

Jesse Kregel Pathway

8.70km

00:54

30m

30m

Imagine a smooth, paved journey through Buffalo's vibrant green spaces, where the Jesse Kregel Pathway guides you alongside the gentle flow of Scajaquada Creek. This 5.4-mile (8.7 km) jogging route, rated moderate, offers a delightful escape, passing by Mirror Lake, Hoyt Lake, and the serene Japanese Gardens. With only 96 feet (29 metres) of elevation gain, it's a generally flat and easy experience, perfect for a refreshing run that takes about 53 minutes.

Planning your visit to the Jesse Kregel Pathway is straightforward, as it's easily accessible and connects key areas of Buffalo. The path is primarily paved, ensuring a comfortable surface for jogging, walking, or cycling. It's also a dog-friendly trail, so feel free to bring your leashed companion along for the journey, just be sure to clean up after them.

This pathway is more than just a trail; it's a crucial link that connects the Shoreline Trail to Olmsted's Delaware Park and Buffalo's Museum District. Conceived by avid runner Jesse Kregel, it allows you to navigate city streets without major road crossings, offering a continuous and enjoyable experience through diverse scenery, including forested lawns and even a maze within Delaware Park.

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6.

South Park loop

3.02km

00:19

10m

10m

The South Park loop offers a pleasant, accessible jogging experience, winding through a mix of open meadows and treed areas. You'll encounter varied terrain, from paved sections to more natural paths, and enjoy views of the tranquil South Park Lake. Keep an eye out for the impressive Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens as you make your way around this scenic route.

This easy 1.9-mile (3.0 km) loop has a minimal 37 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick 18-minute run perfect for beginners or a light workout. As a multi-use path, you'll share the trail with walkers and cyclists. While specific parking isn't detailed, look for access points near the Botanical Gardens, and remember that many South Park trails offer amenities like water fountains.

This route is part of a broader network of South Park trails, which are known for their connectivity and variety, catering to different fitness levels. The integration of natural elements like creeks and ponds with man-made features such as gazebos creates a unique urban-natural blend, making it a notable option for South Park loop jogging in the Lackawanna area.

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7.

Tifft Nature Preserve loop

5.83km

00:38

10m

0m

The Tifft Nature Preserve loop guides you through a remarkable urban wildlife refuge, showcasing a successful ecological restoration project. You'll traverse varied terrain, from unpaved paths and mowed grass to boardwalks over the expansive 75-acre cattail marsh, the largest in Erie County. Keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife and other wildlife, and don't miss the panoramic views of Buffalo's grain elevators from the elevated mounds. This route is best experienced as a brisk walk or hike, offering a tranquil escape within the city.

Planning your visit to the Tifft Nature Preserve loop is straightforward, but be aware that jogging is prohibited on the preserve's trails. The route is a moderate 3.6-mile (5.8 km) journey with a minimal 18 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 38 minutes to complete. Sturdy footwear is advisable, as some sections can be muddy. The preserve features an outdoor education center with restrooms, and it's generally accessible for most skill levels.

What makes this trail particularly notable is its status as one of the largest municipal nature preserves in New York State, transforming a former industrial site and landfill into a thriving natural environment. Designated an Important Bird Area, it's a crucial stopover for migratory species, offering exceptional birdwatching opportunities from hidden blinds. The unique blend of diverse habitats, including marshes, grasslands, and woodlands, supports a rich array of plant and animal species, making it a vital green space within Buffalo.

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8.

Times Beach Nature Preserve loop

2.37km

00:16

10m

10m

The Times Beach Nature Preserve loop offers a tranquil escape into nature right in downtown Buffalo, despite its classification as a jogging route. This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) path, with a minimal 21 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, is better suited for a peaceful walk, allowing you to soak in scenic waterfront views and observe diverse wildlife. Expect a mix of trails and boardwalks, with the highlight being the wetland overlook, a fantastic spot for birdwatching, which you can complete in about 15 minutes.

Planning your visit requires a bit of foresight; while the trail is easy, some sections can be uneven due to past storm damage and driftwood. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Be aware that parts of the preserve have experienced closures, with restoration efforts anticipated in spring and summer 2025, so check local conditions before you go. This urban oasis is easily accessible and best enjoyed during daylight hours for optimal nature observation.

What makes this preserve truly special is its ecological significance as one of the most valuable bird and pollinator conservation sites in the Great Lakes region, hosting over 240 bird species across five ecological zones. It boasts a fascinating history, transforming from a contaminated dredge disposal facility into a thriving natural habitat. This biodiversity and unique transformation make it a notable destination for anyone interested in nature and conservation.

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9.

Delaware Park – Hoyt Lake loop from LaSalle

14.6km

01:31

50m

50m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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10.

Running loop from Buffalo

6.26km

00:39

10m

10m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips from the Community

Freelancer 🥾 🚵 🏍️🏃‍♂️
September 9, 2025, Buffalo Main Lighthouse

Yes! The lighthouse is open. Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. Short walk with great views of Buffalo. Highly recommended.

Translated by Google

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One of the most beautiful spots along the Buffalo waterfront. The attached photos show the large marble remnants of the facade of the original M&T Bank headquarters/branch. It's a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the scenery. There's also a kayak launch and kayak rentals.

Translated by Google

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The Jesse Kregal Pathway is a popular commuter trail in the Buffalo area. It connects to a number of different bike paths, greenways, and parks, and it serves as a popular running trail due to its length and how it navigates the city streets without any major road crossings. For the majority of the route, you get to run right next to Scajaquada Creek.

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Matthew
August 30, 2023, Hoyt Lake

There is a paved trail that follows along the banks of Hoyt Lake. The path is wide and is a great spot for a run. There are other paths and greenways that connect to this trail, and there are numerous trail signs and trail maps indicating how to connect the network of paths.

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Matthew
August 30, 2023, Delaware Park

Delaware Park is one of the most popular parks in the entire country. It has won awards for being one of America's most beautiful parks, and it offers a number of recreational options. The park is a great place to run with a couple different paths and a paved road circling around the perimeter of the park's boundary.

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The Tonawanda Rail Trail is a commuter and exercise trail running from Buffalo to Tonawanda. The trail is primarily paved, but there are some smooth crushed-gravel sections, and there are plenty of spur trails and other paths intersecting the main trail that you can run on. The trail is a really popular spot for runners and bikers, so be aware of other trail users while you run on the path. It's really well-marked, and there are trail maps placed sporadically along the course of the trail.

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The Buffalo Main Lighthouse was constructed back in the days of Fort Niagara. It makes for a great turnaround spot during a run, but the path leading to the lighthouse can get pretty busy in the middle of the day. You can also run around the Times Beach Nature Preserve, which is super close by.

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Matthew
August 30, 2023, Tifft Street Pier

Open to runners, walkers, bike riders, and pedestrians in general, the Tifft Street Pier looks over the Buffalo Harbor South Entrance and a few different grain elevators. You can run along the water for miles in both directions if you stick to the paved paths.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many running routes are available in Buffalo?

Based on komoot data, there are over 45 running routes around Buffalo, catering to various skill levels. These include paths through historic parks, along the waterfront, and converted rail-trails.

Are there easy running routes suitable for beginners in Buffalo?

Yes, Buffalo offers several easy running routes. For instance, the Olmsted-designed parks like Delaware Park provide relatively flat and peaceful environments. There are 6 easy routes listed on komoot, making them ideal for beginners or those seeking a leisurely run.

What kind of scenery can I expect on running trails in Buffalo?

Buffalo's running trails offer diverse scenery, from the historic, tree-lined paths of Olmsted-designed parks like Delaware Park and Cazenovia Park, to expansive waterfront views along Lake Erie and the Niagara River. You can also find routes through nature preserves and along converted rail-trails.

Are there any running routes in Buffalo that are dog-friendly?

Many of Buffalo's parks and multi-use trails are dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. Popular spots like Delaware Park and the Outer Harbor trails are generally welcoming to runners with their canine companions. Always check local regulations for specific areas.

Can I find stroller-friendly running routes in Buffalo?

Yes, many of Buffalo's paved paths and park loops are suitable for strollers. The smooth surfaces and generally flat terrain in areas like Delaware Park, the Fuhrmann Greenway, and the Jesse Kregal Pathway make them excellent choices for parents running with strollers.

Are there running routes in Buffalo with good parking access?

Most major parks and trailheads in Buffalo offer convenient parking. For example, Delaware Park has parking available, and routes along the Outer Harbor like Fuhrmann Greenway — Buffalo often have designated parking areas nearby, making access easy for runners.

What are some interesting landmarks or attractions I might see while running in Buffalo?

While running in Buffalo, you can encounter various landmarks. Along the waterfront, you might see Wilkeson Point or the Canalside Boardwalk. In the Olmsted parks, you'll pass by historic architecture and serene landscapes. Tifft Nature Preserve offers opportunities to observe native wildlife.

Are there any challenging running trails for experienced runners in Buffalo?

While Buffalo's terrain is generally flat, some routes offer longer distances or varied surfaces for a more challenging experience. For instance, the Fuhrmann Greenway — Buffalo is a 9.3-mile route that provides a good endurance test. For more varied terrain, areas like Chestnut Ridge County Park outside the city offer rolling meadows and forested trails.

What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Buffalo?

The running routes in Buffalo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the city's diverse offerings, from the peaceful, green spaces of the Olmsted parks to the scenic waterfront paths that provide refreshing views of Lake Erie and the Niagara River.

Are there any running routes near public transport in Buffalo?

Yes, many of Buffalo's urban parks and trails are accessible via public transport. Delaware Park, for example, is well-served by local bus routes. The extensive network of Olmsted Parkways also provides scenic urban routes that are often close to public transit options.

Can I find loop running trails in Buffalo?

Absolutely. Many routes in Buffalo are loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. A popular option is the Greenway Nature Trail & Fuhrmann Boulevard Side Path loop — Wilkeson Pointe, which provides a scenic 3.7-mile loop along the waterfront.

Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' running routes in Buffalo?

For those seeking a quieter experience, Tifft Nature Preserve, just minutes from downtown, offers trails through wetlands and forests, providing a peaceful escape. Red Jacket Natural Habitat Park is another reclaimed industrial area that now offers tranquil trails for running and wildlife observation, often with fewer crowds than more central locations.

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