Opened in 2016, Tonawanda Rails to Trails offers a paved linear route through the Tonawanda community north of Buffalo. The rail-trail was built atop the former Erie Lackawanna Railway, which carried both freight and passengers in the 1880s. The pathway runs through a mix of residential and commercial areas and links several schools and parks.
At the trail's southern end, it connects to the North Buffalo Rails to Trails, another paved route which provides easy access to the LaSalle Metro Rail Station.
One day, the trail will stretch farther north to connect with the vast Erie Canalway Trail, which stretches nearly 300 miles across New York.
Parking is available near the north end of the trail in Ives Park (2 Frances St.) and at Walter M. Kenney Field (2000 Colvin Blvd.). Mid-Trail, parking can be found at Lincoln Park (1200 Parker Blvd.).
My sons live near this and took me. It was a great ride during the pandemic to get a break from being indoors. Very well planned.
The Bike Trail that goes from the Erie Canal along the Niagara River past the Grand Island Bridge is the worse maintained trail I ever rode on, it is full of cracks and large bumps in the pavement making a ride uncomfortable and dangerous. Although the trail is scenic, it is NOT maintained at all. I will no longer ride this trail. If you rise a road bike with thin tires, you have a definite risk of wheel destruction. I do NOT recommend this path for biking!
The parking address listed on the Trail Link description is not correct. The actual parking area for this trail is located on State Street near the intersection of State and Young Streets - not on Francis Street.
That being said - I love this trail, I grew up very close to this rail line and I think this is a great use of it.
Love how this trail system connects to the north buffalo trail system!
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