The Best Sledding Hills Around Buffalo
Ask any Buffalo kid to name something about winter that makes them happy, and they’ll respond with, “Fresh snow and a sled!” The cold wind in their face, the perfect shade of pink on their cheeks and the endless giggles from that wild 10-second ride…it’s what wintry dreams are made of! And best of all, there’s no lift tickets, expensive equipment or experience needed! All you need is a sled and a destination (and we can help you with both)
Mother Nature has decorated Western New York with inch upon inch of freshly-fallen snow making your visit to our winter wonderland perfectly timed. Here’s a list of some of the region’s best sledding hills (Buffalo kid-approved):
Delaware Park Shakespeare Hill – Photo by Annette Tiberi
WHERE TO HEAD:
Delaware Park
near 199 Lincoln Pkwy, Buffalo
Make your way to Shakespeare Hill, located just behind the Marcy Casino for the perfect sledding option right in the heart of the city.
Elma Meadows
1711 Girdle Rd, Elma
As the seasons change from summer to winter, Elma Meadows converts from a golf course to a sledding hill. Hang on tight, though! It’s a fast one! Just remember, a quick trip down means a slow climb up.
Akron Falls Park
44 Parkview Dr, Akron
With multiple sledding hills to choose from, pick the size hill that suits your family best or try them all!
Beaver Island State Park
2136 Oakfield Rd, Grand Island
One of our favorite summertime spots, is just as cool in the winter. Head towards the lagoon and you can’t miss their sledding hill. (Don’t worry, it’s not THAT close to the lagoon.)
Chestnut Ridge Park
Chestnut Ridge Park
6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park
A go-to destination for all winter outdoor enthusiasts. They boast one of the largest sledding hills in Western New York, not to mention tobogganing and skiing (both downhill and cross-country).
Como Park
2220 Como Park Blvd, Lancaster
This popular sledding hill in Lancaster is the perfect option for families who are looking for variety in winter activities as they have two ice skating rinks and cross-country ski trails as well.
Ellicott Creek Park
1 Ellicott Creek Dr, Tonawanda
Head to Tonawanda for another solid sledding hill option. Enter from Niagara Falls Boulevard and the sledding hill is on your right.
Billy Wilson Park
1290 Hopkins Rd, Williamsville
The perfect-sized hill for your littles is located in Amherst named after local Army Staff Sgt. William Wilson who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.
Gunther’s Hill
83 Woodview Ave, Hamburg
Tucked away in the village of Hamburg is a hidden gem called Woodview Park. The slope down to 18-Mile Creek forms a natural sledding hill in the winter.
Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo
A beautiful backdrop for sledding as it’s situated right on the grounds of the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens.
Sprague Brook Park
9674 Foote Rd, Glenwood
Head south to Glenwood, NY for another steep option with plenty of open space for your sled to sail!
Photo by The Tool Library
NO SLED? NO PROBLEM.
If your sled didn’t fit in your suitcase, here’s a few options for tracking one down:
Little Free Sled Library
Shoshone Park, Buffalo
We aren’t the City of Good Neighbors for no reason. Head to Shoshone Park in North Buffalo to see what’s available courtesy of The Tool Library and friendly Buffalo neighbors.
Vidler’s 5 & 10
676 Main St, East Aurora
If you’re sledding destination has your pointed south, swing by Vidler’s 5 & 10 in East Aurora to pick one up.
As a last resort, the chain stores like Target, Walmart or Home Depot will some in stock. Better yet, consider donating it to the Little Free Sled Library before you head home!