Buckhorn Island State Park

Horrible place, bug infested, overgrown! Billions of ticks! Speed limit too slow! No bathrooms or water fountains! Eaten alive by bugs. They are also infiltrating from there to other areas of Erie and Niagara county according to NY state parks.

If Bucks make you Horny, then Buckhorn Park is the place for you.
I’ve been to this park 2 or 3 times as I have friends on the island and my friend works on the island too (hi Sara!), and I was amazing to find out that there are state parks at both ends of Grand Island. I didn’t know this until about 2 years ago, but having visited both parks several times now, both are definitely 5-​star places to visit.
It’s at the opposite end of Grand Island from Beaver Island, and is arguably every bit as beautiful and worth visiting. If you haven’t been to these two parks, you’re missing out, and should stop by. If you live in WNY, they’re on your «must visit» list, as of now. I can’t tell you which one you will like better. I can’t even decide which one is more beautiful. They have remarkable but very different views, trails, things to see and experience. Enjoy.

Great place to bring your dog for a walk. Just moved to the area and discovered this park. Have taken my dog for several walks here. Every one seams very friendly and helpful. It appears clean and up kept but this is also January and most things are covered in snow.

I love buckhorn great paths for walking or biking, great spots for fishing, and spots to launch ur kayak. Have seen rare birds there as an eagle resides nearbye, and love the views of grass island and niagara river. No beach or any other utilities but great for walking and fishing or kayaking

Hubs and I loaded the canoe up and said let’s just go north and see where we can put in. We knew Grand Island must have some kind of park and we stumbled upon the area to put in kayaks and canoes by accident.
The creek is pretty much still water. Great for beginner canoe/​kayakers or stand up paddle boarding. We saw many people today doing all of the above. The creek eventually lets out to the river (in one direction, the other leads to a residential area) which is loaded with boats, speed boats, and jet skis. Its fine but I wouldn’t try it if you’re a total newbie and don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re a boat owner the river and «Grass Island» is a good place to anchor, swim, and drink. Think floating bar.
We didn’t bike or hike/​walk this time but we did canoe past several people doing so. I agree it would be a great spot for a run.
Tips:
–Bring bug spray, the standing water is a top notch breeding ground for mosquitoes and every bug imaginable.
–Bring sun screen super reflective water =sun burn.

Buckhorn is a small park that you wouldn’t even knew existed unless you drove along East River Rd on Grand Island and ran into it. When you drive across the island on the 190, it’s the forest area right before the North Grand Island bridge. It’s beautiful and very well maintained. From start to finish (at what we call «the point») is 4 miles. Perfect for a short trail run. There are smaller trails that branch off of the main trail if you’re looking to explore a little more. Not into running, it’s the perfect place for a shady walk especially during the fall. They have 2 areas to launch kayaks and ample parking. There’s a small foot bridge that is a big hit with local fishermen.
All in all, it’s a peaceful, quiet, wonderful place to reflect and enjoy the local nature.