Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts look no further than Chestnut Ridge Park, located in Orchard Park, NY and packed with hiking and running trails. Highlighted by breathtaking views of the city of Buffalo and 1,151 acres of forest, the Ridge is a great place to cherish the essence of the outdoors.

You’ve probably heard of Eternal Flame Falls, one of this park’s most popular hiking trails and destinations, and a natural wonder that has captivated the hearts of local adventurers for years. However, entrenched in the park, there are tons of other hidden trails worth checking out.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best, lesser-known trails you can find in Ridge, all suitable for families and dogs!

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1. Chestnut Ridge Orienteering and Boy Scout Trails

The 5.6 mile loop provides the perfect opportunity to break free from the busy “Eternal Flame Trail”. This trail is characterized as being of moderate difficulty with an opportunity to see wildlife and experience the tranquility. Whether running, hiking or biking, this beautifully wooded trail offers a variety of activity options. In addition, you can take your dog on this trail as long as he is on a leash.

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2. Chestnut Ridge Loop

The Ridge Loop is easily navigable and rated as moderate difficulty. This trail is paved and is approximately four miles long. The attraction is the beautiful wildflowers that span the length of the loop, and bringing your four-legged friend while on a leash is encouraged.

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3. Chestnut Ridge Reservoir Trail

The Reservoir Trail is approximately 0.8 miles, which is one of the shorter trails. This is an easy hike suitable for all ages and skill levels. Your adventure will be centered around a lake with breathtaking landscapes. This trail is used for walking, backpacking, nature trips, and bird watching. Get ready for a wonderful trip where you will get used to the wildlife. Dogs can also use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

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4. Boy Scout Trail from Ward Road

The Boy Scout Trail is accessible from Ward Road, which features its own unique route. This trail is a wooded abyss filled with birds, deer, and other wildlife. It’s rated as moderate difficulty, with an ascent of almost five hundred feet, so be prepared to venture uphill! The trail is 4.8 miles long and is perfect for hiking, running, and nature trips. The best time to share this adventure is during the summer, and they are also dog friendly as long as they are on a leash!

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5. Snowmobile trail

The snowmobile trail is 0.8 miles in length. It is classified in moderate difficulty and accessible all year round. Highlighted by stunning scenery and a waterfall, this sensory experience is captivating for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and a new adventure. This trail is one of the most secluded and certainly interesting. It is mainly used for hiking and running during the summer, and it is also suitable for dogs as long as they are kept on a leash.

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