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Print Friendly MapThe Lancaster Heritage Trail begins in an eastern outer suburb of Buffalo and unwinds 4 paved miles into the delightful wooded countryside. Benches made of natural materials, including boulders, are placed at various locations along the way for resting and taking in the tranquil setting, and granite posts mark every 0.25 mile. Note, however, that there are no restrooms or drinking fountains along the way, so plan accordingly.
Begin your journey northeast of downtown Lancaster at Walter Winter Drive, where the trailhead offers a parking lot and a kiosk with information about the trail and its history. The rail-trail was developed on a portion of the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, built in 1882 to haul coal from Pennsylvania’s Lackawanna Valley mines to Buffalo, as well as grain from Buffalo to the Port of New York. Trains ceased running in 1972, and the town purchased the corridor in 1984. The trail opened in 2010.
As you travel along, the leafy tree cover will occasionally open up to offer vistas of farm fields and ponds. Look for wildlife, such as deer, chipmunks, and birds. Over the course of the route, you’ll encounter only three street crossings, which are well-marked and across low-volume roadways.
The trail ends at Town Line Road in the small hamlet of Dellwood, where a trailhead parking lot accommodates a handful of cars.
To reach the western terminus from I-90, take Exit 52E for Walden Ave. Turn right to head east on Walden Ave., and go 4.7 miles to Central Ave. Turn right and travel 0.2 mile to Commerce Pkwy. Turn left and travel 0.8 mile to Walter Winter Dr. Turn right; in 0.1 mile the trailhead parking lot will be on your left.
To reach the eastern terminus from I-90, take Exit 52E for Walden Ave. Turn right to head east on Walden Ave., and go 9.6 miles to Town Line Road. Take a right; in 1.0 mile the trailhead parking lot will be on your right.
The trail is fairly level with slight curves to offset a straight visual line of sight, which is pleasing to the rider. There are quirky bump out paths that possibly simulate a railroad siding or depot for picking up passengers. There is a plan to connect this trail to the Cheektowaga trail, which will give a boost to those seeking to ride or walk longer distances while connecting other communities for transportation purposes. Hopefully that will happen sooner than later.
Yes, it’s flat and straight, but so beautiful! Lots of wildlife- a spotted fawn leapt out of the path as I came by. Butterflies, blue jays, a pond, a quaint wooden fence… Due to its proximity to a regional airport, you even get to see a few small airplanes pass over. Also when I went they had a porta-potty at Pavement Road I think.
Nice trail for kiddos, but a bit boring for adults. Doesn’t actually lead anywhere so you just kind of shrug and turn around when you get to the end.
Its flat and well paved. My 9 year old had no problem biking it.
Pretty and quiet. Flat surface that is easy to run on. Not very crowded. Not super exciting for photos because it all looks the same. It is straight through so it is definitely a good trail if you want to run without being diverted due to closures or accidentally getting off track. I didn't see any wildlife out of the ordinary birds and squirrels.
Ran here while on vacation in October,2018.Very scenic and quiet.Trail surface in outstanding shape considering rugged winters.If you want a trail with steep hills go to Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park.It's about 30 minutes away and will really challenge your running capability.
Nice smooth fairly level trail.. lots of wildlife
I come here once or twice a week just for a nice walk or bike riding. I wish they had water fountains and make it a long trail thru Alden. But otherwise it's nice I've seen deers, chipmunks and different type of birds.
Took my son for his first Real bike ride. Went the whole 8 miles. It was a great time.
It's nearby my house and i walk there few times. It's Very Relaxing!!
Nice enjoyable walk. Parking lot a little hard to find.
We used this trail today for the first time. It is great for novice cyclists, or those returning to cycling. With a mostly level asphalt surface, biking is a breeze. The wooded environment is also very peaceful; however, it can get quite secluded, so I recommend going with a friend as the on-site trail rules state. The length of the trail is also easily doable. We will definitely return to this location.
Love this trail! Very well kept and clean. People are always friendly, as well.
I utilize this trail frequently for long/short runs and cycling. I wish there were water fountains and some sort of bathroom facility on/near the trail. A porta potty would be great!
I live within 3 miles of the trail and I jog and ride my fat bike on it frequently. Would be spectacular if it continued east through Alden another 4-6 miles and left as gravel/cinder/dirt.
Heritage Trail is a nice short well paved trail. Walking or biking this trail is a relaxing way to spend an hour or so.
I love this trail, short 4 mile with lots of wooded area and nice scenery. Nice and smooth. Nice job!!
There should be water fountains on the trail .
First rail and trail that I stated out riding my Trek Series 3 and it was a nice smooth ride!!!
Clearly the folks involved in the project were thoughtful and deliberate in making this a beautiful, useful trail.
Thank you.
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