Knox Farm State Park

I think that Knox Farm State Park is really underrated. Between the dog park, hiking trails, and Little Free Library in the Woods, this is a great destination in East Aurora. I first went to Knox Farm on a scheduled hike/​program with the New York State Parks — Niagara Frontier Region Park Interpretive Programs Office. I was blown away by the vast hiking trails/​land/​estate that was once owned by the Knox Family.
I learned on my hike (led by a Park Naturist) that there are more than 600 acres to Knox Farm. Unfortunately my Fitbit died on this hike so I should have just turned around and ate potato chips on my couch but the end of the hike proved to be worth it as we were led to a small wetland area.
In addition to the large dog park that my mom often takes our polar bear to, visitors can cross-​country ski and go horseback riding here. I’d highly recommend this park if you’re looking for a calm, relaxing hike. In fact, make a day out of it — grab lunch in quaint East Aurora afterwards.

Knox farm state park is a historical non working farm with many hiking, biking and walking trails. I’m not to keen on the dog park area it’s extremely chaotic. I do feel it’s a very safe park and easy to navigate with plenty of resting areas. There are a few hidden gems like the Zen garden up near the big house, a small library in the upper woods and a perennial/​annual garden near the upper driveway. There is a lot of shade, scenery is great for picnics and pictures. The park also has a great visitor center with a bulletin board of local events.

I would be less than factual if I said I enjoy dog parks/​runs. I have a fenced in yard and my dog attends Camp Bow Wow one day a week. My daughter insisted that I come with her to allow JD the free fenced run at The Knox Farms/​Estate in East Aurora. I did so reluctantly.
It was pretty cool. JD is a Blue Tick Coonhound that is henpecked by our cats. He does quite well with other dogs and shows no aggression. He played very nicely and attempted to leave with a few other families and I’m guessing that he was hoping for a cat free day or two.
I don’t know that I will necessarily be revisiting this barkyard however I know that JD will.

This was my first time bringing my 1-​yr old mixed breed dog to any of the local dog parks and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience! On a sunny, 75 degree Wednesday night in June there were probably between 15 – 20 dogs at any given time, but there is so much space that it certainly doesn’t feel crowded with that many dogs. I’m assuming there’s more traffic there on the weekend. Every dog was friendly and sociable, and it provided so many great opportunities for my dog to make new friends! I live in South Buffalo and it was well worth the drive! Bring bug spray for the humans though, as it was pretty buggy when I was there. I’ll be back many many times this summer!!!

Knox Farms offers one of the greatest dog parks my puppies have ever been to! (Okay, it’s the only one, but let me tell you these wheaties go CRAZY the moment we get into East Aurora.)
You know when you see horses mindlessly roaming those giant green fenced in open pastures? Well that’s what dozens of dogs get to zoom around in WITHOUT leashes. The entire property is fenced so there is no chance of any escaped dogs and the field is kept amazingly clean. The park does a great job of having doggy plastic bags at the entrance plus a big silver trash canister and shovel inside. It’s definitely the owners responsibility to be picking up their own dog’s poop and I’ve never seen anyone blatantly ignore their dog going number two. The park also supplies a few buckets of water, and dog park patrons are always helpful when the water goes low. You just take the buckets into the stables where there is a hose, or the other small shed/​bathroom where there is a sink. Other human responsibilities also include making sure their dog isn’t humping and/​or being mean. I occasionally see a nasty dog or two but the owners are usually pretty good about grabbing the dog, but I’ve also seen owners not care. And at that point, it’s the other dog owners that will say something, so definitely be conscious of your dogs personality before choosing to bring them here.
The best time to visit the dog park is in the evening on weekdays when people are out of work. On the weekend (especially when it’s hot) it is best to go early in the morning or again in the evening is ideal, but there’s always other dogs there on weekends. You can also expect people to be there even in the winter! There’s only been one or two times where we’ve gone and there hasn’t been a single dog, but my two dogs still love it all the same. Definitely be conscious of the weather though. If it rained heavily the day before, give it a day or two to dry out. Huge mud puddles/​ponds can form. It’s also difficult to gauge it when the seasons are changing with snow/​rain/​melting on whether it’ll be muddy or not.
Now I know all the dogs have a ton of fun, but at a great place for humans too! It’s nice socialize with other dog lovers or you can keep to yourself and just watch the comedy ensue of all the different dog personalities. Most importantly, it’s a great way to tire your dogs out to give you a peaceful and relaxing evening at home. You can definitely find my wheaties, Winnie and Walter, running around the park in the very near future :)

We only go to the park for our Puppy. There is a HUGE dog park that is located just off of the Seneca Street Entrance. The park is split into 2 — 1 for big dogs and 1 for small dogs. The grass is always in great shape, water buckets are full! You are responsible for «pooper scooper» duty of your own dog and be sure that they play well with others but it is always a blast. I’m so happy that this park is here and around!

What a great park! I honestly wish this was closer to my home, because I would come here a couple times a week. We took our yellow lab to the dog park area within Knox Farms last week, and he absolutely loved it!
The area allotted for large dogs (above 30 lbs) is very spacious! I couldn’t get over how much of the area was fenced in and designated for the dogs. There were random picnic tables and benches sporadically scattered throughout, for the dog owners to relax at, while their pups played.
I also liked that they had large buckets of water (and a refilling area nearby) for the dogs to drink from. There were leftover toys and balls throughout the entire dog area for them to play with.
Our dog had so much fun running around with the other friendly pups and their owners; he wouldn’t even pay attention to us! Needless to say, he was a sleepy puppy when we got home.

We have been going to Knox farm State park, dog park for a while now, I have noticed that people will not stop vicious dogs even when they attack other dogs? today it was my sweet dog, for no reason. the owner of a rather large mastiff and a German Shepard both attacked my dog at the same time. I tried to come between them and my dog, and used my cane to keep them at bay, but the owners just stood by and watched and did nothing? We left right then. When I got home I noticed that my dog had a serious wound. If i go back, I will be prepared, I will not let these people or their dog do this again. I am not looking for trouble, but I will not let a few bad apples make this a fighting ring. So if you bring you mean or viscous dog here, think again. I know dogs set their own pecking order, but there is also letting things go to far. I WILL intervene next time. Just a heads up to you morons. A month ago, someone who just picked up a pit bull mix came directly to the park, this dog took my 14 year old mild dog to the ground and kept biting her? again, the owner just stood there, I yelled at them to get their dog off our old dog, they did nothing? I had to pull it off! I am tired of this stupid human thinking. Next time I will not be so forgiving. I will sue you next time, and I will not be gentle with your monsters. Most dogs are fine, but it only takes one or two to spoil things. If no one else cares, I will do what ever it takes to protect my dogs You know who you are, be aware. I hold you responsible.

This is a special place for many reasons, but it has a real sense of its place in the world. There are miles and miles of pathways to get on and go for miles on, and there are hidden areas with a marvelous waterfall or two as well. There is no way you would not feel invigorated by this excellent park.