Buffalo’s waterfront is one of the city’s greatest assets. Outer Harbor and Canalside are some of the best places to take advantage of the gift that is warm, sunny weather. Whether you’re looking to get moving outdoors, clear your head, or just enjoy scenic lakefront and city skyline views, walking trails around the Buffalo waterfront deliver. Years of investment and renovation have transformed the area into a safe, walkable destination, featuring wide paved paths and nature-lined routes, all just minutes from the heart of the city.
Independent Health Wellness Trail
The Independent Health Wellness Trail is a three-mile section of the Greenway Nature Trail. It’s also one of the most scenic and accessible places to walk in Buffalo. Located in the Outer Harbor, the trail is fully paved and easy to navigate thanks to path-side signage. This route is popular with walkers, runners, cyclists and rollerbladers because it fully loops around the Outer Harbor’s top attractions, including Terminal B, Lakeside Bike Park and Bell Slip overlook. It also links up to Wilkeson Pointe at Fuhrmann Boulevard. There are benches conveniently located throughout the path for those who need a moment to rest or simply take in Lake Erie’s stunning scenery.
Fuhrmann Boulevard Pathway
This nearly 5-mile stretch of sidewalk runs parallel to Fuhrmann Boulevard, the main artery to the Outer Harbor. While not a nature trail, this path is an essential link to surrounding trails and provides more direct access to Outer Harbor’s many attractions. This route is ideal if you want to cover more ground, especially since it’s dotted with Reddy Bike stations and has great views of both the harbor and the lake.
Canalside Boardwalk & Buffalo Riverwalk
The Buffalo trails around Canalside offer a more city-centric experience. The wooden boardwalk stretches along the Buffalo River while paved paths go past the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, toward the Erie Basin Marina to the northwest. It’s an easy, walkable route with plenty of places to stop and take in the view, from boats passing by to downtown’s iconic skyline. Along the way, you’ll also encounter rotating public art installations and historic markers that highlight Buffalo’s industrial past.
Empire State Trail
The Empire State Trail spans 750 miles across New York, and a beautiful stretch runs right through Buffalo. Around the waterfront, the section starts at Canalside and follows south along South Park Avenue. To stay on the path, cross Michigan Avenue and continue south over the Buffalo River bridge past Silo City until going underneath the Route 5 overpass. This route connects to the Fuhrmann Boulevard Pathway and eventually the Greenway and Wellness trails. This is a great option for longer walks, especially if you’re looking to connect multiple places to walk in Buffalo in one continuous route. With the lake on one side and skyline views on the other, the Empire State Trail showcases the best of Buffalo’s outdoor spaces.
Times Beach Nature Preserve
Though still undergoing recovery efforts from storm damage caused by the major seiche event in 2019, Times Beach Nature Preserve is still a hidden gem among Buffalo trails. This quiet nature area sits on the northern part of the Outer Harbor and offers a welcome escape from busier parts of the waterfront. While some areas of the preserve remain closed, spaces that have reopened are beloved by bird and monarch butterfly watchers, photographers and those who prefer a slower paced walk surrounded by nature.
Tips for Walking the Buffalo Waterfront
Before you take to the trails, keep the following in mind:
Plan Your Route
Many of these trails connect to one another. Whether you’re walking a short loop or spending the whole day outdoors, you can mix and match paths to suit your time and energy level.
Prepare for the Weather
There’s little shade along much of the waterfront, and paved paths can get hot underfoot. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially when the UV index is high.
Be Aware of Events and Closures
The Outer Harbor gets busy during concerts and events, which can limit parking and trail access. Also note that some areas, like Buffalo Harbor State Park and Wilkeson Pointe, may be temporarily closed for construction. Wilkeson Pointe is expected to reopen in 2025, but it’s a good idea to check online for updates before you go.