(Ideal for Guests Staying at an Airbnb in Ellicottville)
Nestled amid the rolling hills and dense forests of Western New York, the charming village of Ellicottville, NY offers more than just après-ski and cozy lodgings. It’s a gateway to some of the region’s most stunning hiking terrain — accessible, varied, and perfect for guests staying in an Airbnb in Ellicottville, NY. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, these ten hikes deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences.
1. Holiday Valley Resort – Base-Area Trails & Ridge Walks
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Located right in town at Holiday Valley Road, this resort transforms into a hiker’s playground in the spring through fall. The resort offers detailed trail maps for summer versions of their slopes. holidayvalley.com+1 For Airbnb guests in Ellicottville, the convenience can’t be beat — you can walk or drive minutes from your lodging and find trails that ascend into the forest, follow ridgelines, or take advantage of the chairlift for a higher-starting point.
Google Map: Holiday Valley Resort
Tip: Visit early in the day for quieter trails and excellent fall-foliage views.
2. Rock City Park – Spectacular Rock Formations
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About 25 minutes (roughly) south of Ellicottville, in the vicinity of Salamanca, this unique trail system winds through massive sandstone formations, narrow crevices, and elevated viewpoints of the Allegheny Plateau. visitanf.com+1 The loop trail is short, but the experience is dramatic — making it ideal for a half-day adventure.
Google Map: Rock City Park
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore among the rocks — great for photography.
3. Allegany State Park (Red House & Quaker Areas)
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Just half an hour from Ellicottville, this vast 65,000-acre park is one of Western New York’s premier outdoor destinations. iloveny.com+1 The Red House and Quaker areas both offer well-mapped trails, forested ridges, boulder fields, and relaxed loops — ideal for day hikes when staying at an Airbnb in Ellicottville.
Google Map: Allegany State Park – Red House Area
Tip: Pack a picnic and set aside a longer day in the park; fall foliage is especially spectacular here.
4. Little Rock City Nature Area – Hidden Gem Near Ellicottville
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Tucked between Ellicottville and Salamanca, this lesser-known area offers three-mile loops through sandstone formations and dense forest. Day Trips Around Rochester, NY+1 It’s ideal for Airbnb guests who want a quieter, more secluded outdoor experience.
Google Map: Little Rock City Nature Area
Tip: Bring water and insect repellent — fewer amenities than the larger parks.
5. Sprague Brook Park – Wooded Forest & Creek Trails
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About 25 minutes north of Ellicottville lies this 2,200-acre park featuring more than ten miles of hiking and biking trails through hardwood forests and along creeks. It’s the perfect lunch-hour or afternoon nature escape for Airbnb guests.
Google Map: Sprague Brook Park
Tip: Early morning hikes offer birdwatching opportunities; mid-day gets popular.
6. Griffis Sculpture Park – Art Meets the Trail
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A hike unlike any other — over 450 acres of forest, wetlands and meadows peppered with more than 250 large-scale metal sculptures. For renters in an Airbnb in Ellicottville, the park offers a creative, peaceful half-day outing.
Google Map: Griffis Sculpture Park
Tip: Bring a camera and explore during the golden hour when lighting is best for sculpture photography.
7. Bear Creek State Forest – Off-the-Beaten-Path Wilderness
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This lesser-known state forest offers quiet trail loops in Franklinville, NY. For those staying in an Airbnb near Ellicottville wanting solitude, this is the spot.
Google Map: Bear Creek State Forest
Tip: Bring a trail map — cell signal may be weak in parts of the forest.
8. Bucktooth State Forest – Rustic Backcountry Trails
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Near Salamanca and a short drive from Ellicottville, Bucktooth offers old logging roads, wildlife viewing, and very few crowds — appealing for longer hikes or overnight stays if you’re looking for more immersion.
Google Map: (Search “Bucktooth State Forest, Salamanca NY”)
Tip: Use a GPS app with offline maps, and pack out what you pack in.
9. Nannen Arboretum – Easy, Scenic Trail Right in Town
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Located in the village of Ellicottville itself, this landscaped trail system offers a peaceful, flat walk with ponds and gardens — perfect for a slow morning stroll before checking out of your Airbnb.
Google Map: Nannen Arboretum
Tip: Great for families with kids or guests wanting a gentle option.
10. McCarty Hill State Forest & Nearby Ridge Trails
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Adjacent to Holiday Valley and part of the broader rock-and-ridge region around Ellicottville, McCarty Hill offers longer ridgeline walks and connects interestingly with the forests around Rock City. Department of Environmental Conservation
Google Map: (Search “McCarty Hill State Forest near Ellicottville NY”)
Tip: Combine this with your hike at Holiday Valley for a full-day ridge trek.
🏡 Make Your Stay in Ellicottville Memorable
Whether you’re staying in a cozy loft, family-friendly house, or luxury cabin booked via Airbnb in Ellicottville, these hikes bring outdoor adventure right to your doorstep. After your trail day, return to your lodging to relax, unwind, and share stories around a firepit or porch.
🔍 Why These Hikes & Why Ellicottville?
Ellicottville sits in the heart of Western New York’s “Enchanted Mountains” region — a landscape of undulating ridges, deep forest, limestone and sandstone outcroppings, and scenic views that change dramatically with the seasons. From beginner-friendly loops to challenging ridge trails, there’s something here for all levels of hikers and every visitor looking for nature, adventure, or a quiet escape.
And when you’re done exploring, your Airbnb comforts—whether a hot tub, game room, or simply a peaceful porch—await. Use keywords like “Airbnb in Ellicottville”, “hikes near Ellicottville NY”, “things to do in Ellicottville”, and “best hikes western New York” to boost SEO and draw in adventurers planning their next stay.
✅ Final Tips Before You Hike
- Wear sturdy footwear and carry water for all trail outings.
- Check weather and trail conditions ahead of time.
- Respect trail signage and stay on marked paths.
- Pack out all trash and help preserve the natural beauty of the region.
- Consider starting early in the day for longer hikes and better light for photos.