Helping create healthier, better neighborhoods This Passport: Revised April 17, 2019 EAM #233232 Explore the Niagara River Greenway
Helping create healthier, better neighborhoods
This Passport: Revised April 17, 2019 EAM #233232
Explore the Niagara River Greenway
Welcome to your healthier, better life!
Since 2005, Wegmans has partnered with town and city recreation programs and park conservancy groups to encourage folks to take advantage of their community’s trails. It’s part of our commitment to helping our customers enjoy a healthier, better life through great food and healthy activity. Your FREE Wegmans Hit The Trail Passport will make getting active even more fun.
Your Wegmans Passport details the locations, terrain, and duration of various trails in your area. You’re sure to find trails that match your interest and activity level. So, browse your passport, grab a buddy, and hit the trail for a healthier, better life!
Here’s how it works:• Hit the trail with your passport. • Mark the dates of your visits
right in your passport.
Happy trails to you from your local Wegmans! 1556
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• Record the date you visit each trail on the
corresponding pages of your booklet.• Take and share pictures of your Niagara River
Greenway adventure!
This passport belongs to:
Name
Address
Phone/email
Here’s how to record trail visits in your Wegmans Hit the Trail Passport!
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Explore the Niagara River Greenway!
The Niagara River Greenway connects waterfront greenspaces
from Lake Erie to Ontario along the Niagara River including the
creeks and streams that flow through WNY neighborhoods and
into the mighty Niagara River. We are approaching our goal of
having 37 miles of continuous multi use trails along the River
and will continue to work on connecting walking and biking
trails from neighborhoods in response to interest from local
communities.
We’ve put together 5 walks and 5 bike rides intended to be an
easy starting point for exploring what our Niagara region has
to offer - fun for everyone! These are short loops that take
1-2 hours, but can easily be expanded for a day long
adventure. Once you get out there, you will see that there is
a lot more walking and riding available to do in our Region, in
New York State and internationally.
Get out to explore and let us know what you find!
Greg Stevens,
Executive Director
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Tifft Nature Preserve
Location: 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203.
Gravel Parking lot.
Distance: 5 miles total, shorter loops vary
Difficulty: easy on flat grass or boardwalk trails. Year
Round.
Features: 264 acres of restored habitat with five miles of
trails and boardwalks! Important Bird Area, wetland
habitat, environmental education center, guided tours,
wildlife.
Before you leave, cross the street and visit Buffalo Harbor
State Park for picnic areas and a playground, to watch kite
surfers on Lake Erie and unparalleled views of sunset!
Visit online for a schedule of events and group walks
https://www.tifft.org/
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Bird Island Pier
Location: Broderick Park, 1170 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY
14213 at the foot of W. Ferry St. Paved Parking lot and
comfort station (summer only)
Distance: Out and back 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy on flat pavement. Best use May -
November.
Features: Barrier between Niagara River and Black Rock
Canal. Get close to the rushing Niagara River and enjoy
views of Niagara River and Lake Erie.
For even more fun, travel North from Broderick Park and
explore Unity Island for fishing, more trails and a look at a
Black Rock Canal Lock!
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Buckhorn Island State Park
Location: Park on East-West Park Rd, Grand Island.
GPS Coordinates 43.057356, -78.970776
*Note that there are no restrooms in this park*
Distance: 2 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy on flat grass or dirt trails. Year Round.
Features: 895 acres of marsh, meadows and woods on
the Niagara River. With ongoing restoration of the eco-
system there are opportunities for viewing wildlife and
views of the Niagara River.
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Art Park Gorge Trail
Location: 450 S 4th St, Lewiston, NY 14092. Park at the
end of Portage Road.
Distance: 1.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: easy-moderate. Best use May- November.
Features: Gorge Rim trail, views of the Lower Niagara
River.
This is one of eight well marked trails in the Niagara Gorge
system. For a longer hike, pick up the other gorge trails and
keep exploring!
Visit Niagara Region State Parks online for a complete
Gorge Trail System Map
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Stella Niagara Preserve
Location: Lower River Road. Parking: Lewiston Town
Park, cross the street to enter Stella Niagara
Preserve.
Difficulty: Easy. Grass paths, hills. Year Round.
Features: Experience a variety of habitats including a
riparian zone, a large meadow, a forested area, and
vernal pools along the Niagara River. Nature paths,
kayak launch, wildlife viewing.
While you’re there, connect to Joseph Davis State
Park a mile up the road for birding, more nature
paths and disc golf!
Visit the Western New York Land Conservancy online at
www.wnylc.org
Walking Tips
Dress in Layers – The weather and even your own body temperature can
fluctuate as you walk or hike. Layering allows you to comfortably add or
remove clothing as needed during your activity.
Stay Hydrated – If you plan to be active for an hour or less, plain water
is typically the best option to keep you hydrated. If your activity will last
for more than 1 hour (or the outside temperature is high) a sports drink,
juice or milk provide important nutrients and electrolytes to prevent
dehydration.
Pack a Snack – Keeping a healthy snack on hand is a good idea just in
case your walk goes a little longer than planned. Snacks that travel well
include an apple, banana, granola bar or small snack bag filled with nuts,
trail mix or pretzels.
Wear Sunscreen – Anytime you are out in the sun no matter what time
of year it is, it is important to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen.
Bring a Buddy – Having someone to walk with makes the journey safer
and more enjoyable.
Good luck on your journey to better health!
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Smart Biking Basics
Hit the trail and be safe with these simple bike safety tips:
• Protect your noggin; wear a helmet.
• Keep your head up and look ahead, not at the ground.
• Be seen and heard. If you need to pass, use your bell, horn
or a shout.
• If riding in an unfamiliar area, check your map first.
• Keep your bike in tip-top shape. Ensure your chain is clean,
inspect your brakes, and check your tires for the correct tire
pressure.
• If riding early in the morning or at dusk, wear bright colors
and/or reflective clothing.
• Pay attention to others on the trail and enjoy yourself!
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Buffalo Outer Harbor
Location: Park at Buffalo Harbor State Park
1111 Fuhrmann Blvd Buffalo, NY 14203
Distance: 3.2 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy. Flat bike path.
Features: The Outer Harbor offers view of Lake Erie, two
nature preserves, a lighthouse and a glimpse at the
Industrial History of Buffalo!
In the summer, catch the Queen City Ferry across the
Buffalo River to Canalside and take the Shoreline Trail
north to explore Buffalo’s Waterfront at LaSalle Park and
the Riverwalk trail!
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Scajaquada Creek to
Unity Island Loop
Location: Start from Delaware Park in Buffalo
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Parts of route on road.
Features: Buffalo Parks were designed to be connected to
one another. This loop connects from Olmstead’s
Delaware Park to Unity Island along the Scajaquada Creek.
Views of the Niagara River, Black Rock Canal and
Scajaquada Creek.
For a longer ride, take the Shoreline trail south to explore
the Niagara River Waterfront to Lake Erie!
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Tonawanda Rails to Trails
Location: Parking available at 525 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo
or 5-7 State Street, Tonawanda.
Distance: 3.9 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy. Flat bike path.
Features: This old rail corridor connects Tonawanda to
the City of Buffalo.
For even more riding, use this path to make a loop – take
the North Buffalo Rail Trail to connect into Buffalo, or
ride North to connect to the Erie Canal and Shoreline
trails in Tonawanda!
Find this map online at: https://tonawanda.ny.us/departments/youth-parks-recreation/town-facilities/rails-to-trails
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Grand Island Loop
Location: Start in Beaver Island State Park
Distance: 15 miles
Difficulty: moderate. Long distance with portions on
road.
Features: Traveling around Grand Island includes Bea-
ver Island State Park, and the 8 mile West River Trail
along the Niagara River. Plentiful views of the Niagara
River.
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Shoreline Trail Lewiston Loop
Location: Park in Joseph Davis State Park at 4143 Lower
River Road Lewiston, NY 14092
Distance: 6.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Parts of route on road.
Features: This loop takes you through the Village of
Lewiston and along the rim of the Niagara River Gorge.
Waterfront views, downtown Lewiston and Joseph Davis
State Park.
TipsforFuelontheTrail
Short,leisurelywalksdon’tusuallyrequireanyfuelbesideswaterandyourowntwofeet!However,ifyouareplanninganactivitythatisofmoderateintensityorthatwilllastmorethan45minutes,packingsmarthydrationandfoodchoicesisagoodidea.• Stayhydratedwithwater(plainorsweetenedwithfruit)orunsweetenedicedteainsteadofsugar-sweetenedbeverages.Freezeabottleofwaterthenightbeforeyouractivity:itcanbeusedasanicepack,andwillbereadytodrinklaterintheday!
• Considerportableproteinchoicessuchaspouchedtunaandsalmontosupportyourhardwork!Otheroptionsthatworkwellarecheesesticks,snackpacksofhummus,andgrilledchickenstrips(keepcoolwithanicepackorfrozenbottledwater).
• Choosewholegrainsformorefillingfiberthanrefinedgrains.Optionslikewholegrainbreads,wraps,tortillachips,andcrackersallworkwellonthego!
• Packarainbowofcolorfulfruits&veggiestoprovidefiber&hydrationforyouractivity!Choicesthattravelwellincludeapples,bananas,driedfruit,snappeas,babycarrots,andsweetpepperstrips.
• Nuts&seedsaregreatforkeepinghungerfromgettinginthewayofyourfun!Bringahandfulofwalnuts,almonds,sunflowerorpumpkinseedsforacrunchy,satisfyingsnack.
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