Find the top rated hike trails in Houghton, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Trail has high potential but needs a lot of work. Large stones make it mostly unrideable and almost dangerous to walk. Mostly used as snowmobile trail in winter.
We rode this whole trail (16+miles) on 9/14/25. The trail was amazing. There are a few spots with a significant amount of small gravel when my e-bike sunk into the gravel. Overall the trail was in great shape it the ride was truly enjoyable.
trail is closed through what used to be lasalle park, is now maybe ralph wilson park? has been closed for at least 2 years and will remain closed for a least another year.
Next!
We didn’t ride it all the way to Buffalo. We rode to Whirlpool State Park from Fort Niagara State Park. Stopped in Lewiston for an appetizer and beverage on the way back.
About 2-3 miles heading East from the West trail head, encountered a few places where trees were down across the path from a recent severe rainstorm. Decided to turn back. I’m going to try the East trail head and head West on another day.
Beautiful trail. Well maintained. Headed west from Henrietta first, a little secluded. Only went about 2 miles then headed east to lock 33. Felt safer going east. Full of exercise traffic… love to see that!
I ran on this trail yesterday - the paved section in Churchville is like everyone says it is, very nice and smooth and a great little walking area for villagers and visitors, it’s very short but still very nice and quaint; the rest of the trail heading west to Bergen, is quite rough - I parked at the parking area by the train car and ran down to Rt 19 and back for a 4 mile run - let me say I am glad I was wearing my Altra Olympus trail runners as they have a decently high stack height - that 3” highway crusher stone is way rugged and you won’t only feel it every time you take a step but you can lose your footing on occasion as well - I myself did enjoy the trail as I don’t mind something different, I’m usually on the Greenway in Scottsville Chili area and that is so nicely finished with stone dust it definitely spoils you; the paved area is great for family and kids but going on the gravely area heading towards Bergen is not recommend it unless you have muck boots on and an off-road type of stroller as mentioned in comments before mine that there are massive puddles that are the full width of the trail in spots and there’s no avoiding them…. Also I could see this section being too rugged for a hybrid or gravel bike as well - an actual mountain bike with wider rugged tires would be the best way to approach it…. When it comes to this West Shore Trail just approach it with the proper expectations and have the right gear - a nice pair of trail runner with a thick sole or tall stack height will help you lot here, and use the proper bike on it as well, you’ll easily risk flat tires and wheel/rim damage if not…. As a runner I enjoyed this quite a bit and will return again, I definitely appreciated the swampy views and the birds and the wild life that make this trail what it is, it also has this nice empty desolate feeling once you’re moving that makes you feel alone and rather removed from the business of every day life, I truly enjoyed it and will be back again soon - very glad to have experienced such a gem…. ¿¿
I have hiked several sections of the trail. Parts are still ungroomed while others are packed stone. The Orchard Park strip has parking at the old train station and is packed stone for biking or hiking. Beyond Jewitt Holmwood the trail is the old rail bed and is a bit rough in spots but still a beautiful and easy hike.
Searched for hours not a real trail don't try find passed off at pa
Be warned: The trail, in spots, is entirely unmaintained aside from some lawn mowing. It's as if you are riding through a grass field. In other areas, the trail is entirely dirt and if it were wet / rained recently would be entirely unusible. If you are on a road bike or bike with more road focused tires, you may have difficulties.
We had gravel bikes or mountain bikes so the trails surface was not an issue and we did the entire trail from the south starting point up and back, with no issue and averaged around 10mph during our ride with minimal effort. We even extended about a 1/3 a mile beyond the end until we ran out of bikeable path.
The trail is a shared use trail and great for walkers/runners/horses.
We only saw a handful of people on a Saturday when we were out.
Ellicottville Brewing has a location along the trail in Happy Valley which is 6 miles from either end, right in the middle of the trail.
A great stop for some food or beverages if you want to break up your ride.
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