The best running trails around Fort Erie
5.0
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227
runners
42
runs
Jogging routes around Fort Erie benefit from its unique location where Lake Erie meets the Niagara River, offering extensive waterfront views. The region is characterized by 46 kilometers of diverse shoreline, ranging from sandy to naturalized beaches, and predominantly flat terrain. This landscape, with low sand hills along the Lake Erie coast, provides an ideal environment for comfortable running.
Best jogging routes around Fort Erie
- The most popular jogging route is Erie Canalway Trail, an 11.5 miles (18.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 54 minutes to complete. This route offers scenic stretches along the canal.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Running loop from Buffalo, a moderate 3.9 miles (6.3 km) path. This route provides a pleasant run through urban and green spaces.
- Local runners also love the Running loop from Canisius University, a 4.1 miles (6.6 km) trail leading through local neighborhoods and parks, often completed in about 41 minutes.
- Jogging around Fort Erie is defined by lakeside shorelines, flat terrain, and a network of recreational trails. The routes offer options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Fort Erie are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from a few reviews. Nearly 300 runners have used komoot to explore Fort Erie's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 26, 2026
3
runners
18.6km
01:54
20m
20m
The Erie Canalway Trail offers a captivating journey through history and nature, perfect for a long jog. You'll follow historic canal towpaths and old railway lines, with the surface alternating between smooth asphalt and well-packed crushed stone. Expect picturesque canal vistas, expansive wetlands, and mature forests, with highlights like the Shoreline Trail providing scenic views of Lake Erie and the Bird Island Pier.
This 11.5-mile (18.6 km) route, with a mere 78 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, is rated difficult primarily due to its length, taking about 1 hour and 54 minutes. It's an excellent option for those seeking a sustained, relatively flat effort rather than steep climbs. Access points are plentiful, and while the trail is open year-round, spring and fall provide the most comfortable conditions for running.
Tracing the route of the historic Erie Canal, an engineering marvel completed in 1825, this trail is part of the larger 360-mile Empire State Trail. It offers a unique blend of recreational activity and historical immersion, connecting charming canal towns and showcasing engineering feats like locks and lift bridges. This section provides a great taste of the trail's diverse character.
9
runners
6.26km
00:39
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
runners
6.55km
00:41
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
11.1km
01:09
50m
50m
The Hoyt Lake – Delaware Park loop offers a delightful escape into nature right in Buffalo, featuring a diverse mix of paved, gravel, and bridle paths. You'll jog past the tranquil waters of Hoyt Lake, through historic gardens, and into peaceful wooded areas, all within the award-winning Delaware Park. The scenery is constantly changing, providing views of landmarks and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, making it one of the most popular walking paths in Hoyt Lake Buffalo.
This moderate 6.9 miles (11.1 km) jogging route, with a total elevation gain of 148 feet (45 metres), is designed for accessibility and enjoyment, taking approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete. Starting from the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, you'll find convenient access to this well-maintained loop. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a refreshing run or a leisurely stroll, with sections around the lake being well-lit for evening excursions.
Designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, this trail is a highlight of Buffalo's Olmsted Parks System. The route connects Delaware Park and Hoyt Lake via the unique "Whirly Twirly bridge," ensuring a largely pedestrian-friendly experience. Its proximity to cultural institutions like the Buffalo AKG Art Museum and the Buffalo History Museum adds a rich layer of context, blending recreational activity with opportunities for cultural engagement.
5
runners
4.75km
00:31
20m
20m
The Running loop from Fort Erie offers a delightful and easy escape, perfect for a quick refresh. As you jog, you'll experience the unique character of trails built on abandoned rail lines, providing a consistently flat and smooth surface. Expect extensive waterfront views where Lake Erie meets the Niagara River, with the Buffalo Skyline often visible across the water, alongside glimpses of quiet residential areas and some wooded sections.
This 3.0-mile (4.7 km) route is rated easy, with a minimal 55 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable in about 30 minutes. It's an ideal option for beginners, families, or anyone seeking a gentle, accessible run. The trails are part of a larger network, ensuring user-friendly access points throughout the Fort Erie area, though specific parking for this exact loop isn't detailed.
What truly sets this Fort Erie running loop apart is its integration into extensive trail systems like the Friendship Recreation Trail and the Niagara River Recreation Trail. These trails are celebrated for their historic rail-to-trail conversions, offering both scenic beauty and educational value, passing by landmarks such as Old Fort Erie. It's a highly accessible community asset, welcoming joggers, walkers, and cyclists alike.
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Popular around Fort Erie
Tips from the Community
Delaware Park is the jewel in the crown of Buffalo's park system. The park contains lakes, an art gallery, picnic areas, and trails. It also hosts the second largest free Shakespeare festival (after NYC) each summer. You could easily spend a full day here and still not discover everything on offer.
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The Shoreline Trail and Riverwalk share the same path for a number of miles. There are a bunch of great views of the Niagara River from the trail, and you connect to a bunch of different paved paths using this trail. The trail is pretty easy to follow, but there are still a lot of trail signs on the side of the path.
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Bird Island Pier stretches from Squaw Island past the Peace Bridge. It's a tight, paved path with railings on both sides of the trail. It's a super fun path to run on, but it can get annoying dodging people if you go too late in the day. There are some other paths in Broderick Park before you get out on the actual pier.
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There is a paved trail that follows along the banks of Hoyt Lake. The path is wide and is a great spot for a run. There are other paths and greenways that connect to this trail, and there are numerous trail signs and trail maps indicating how to connect the network of paths.
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Delaware Park is one of the most popular parks in the entire country. It has won awards for being one of America's most beautiful parks, and it offers a number of recreational options. The park is a great place to run with a couple different paths and a paved road circling around the perimeter of the park's boundary.
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Delaware Park is 350 acres in size, you can explore on bike, on food or in a paddle boat on the lake. This beautiful park was awarded one of the Great Places in America by the "American Planning Association" in 2014 and also awarded as one of the top ten parks in the whole world by "The Guardian" in 2015.
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Following the Scajaquada creek opposite the Scajaquada expressway, is the Jesse Kregal Pathway. This pathway was formally the Scajaquada Creek Greenway trail, and is a walking or biking trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Fort Erie?
Fort Erie offers a wide variety of running experiences, with over 45 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to different preferences, including easy, moderate, and more challenging options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on jogging trails in Fort Erie?
Jogging routes in Fort Erie are predominantly flat, especially along the Lake Erie shoreline, which features low sand hills. The region boasts 46 kilometers of diverse shoreline along Lake Erie and the Niagara River, offering a mix of sandy, rocky, and naturalized beaches. This makes for comfortable and scenic runs.
Are there any easy running routes suitable for beginners in Fort Erie?
Yes, Fort Erie has several easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. There are at least 4 easy routes available, offering gentle terrain and pleasant scenery.
Which running routes offer the best scenic views in Fort Erie?
Many routes in Fort Erie provide stunning scenic views, particularly along the waterfront. The region's extensive shoreline along Lake Erie and the Niagara River means you'll often find breathtaking vistas. The Erie Canalway Trail, for example, offers scenic stretches along the canal, while the Friendship Recreation Trail (not listed in guide data, but mentioned in region research) is known for its waterfront views.
Are there any loop running routes in Fort Erie?
Yes, Fort Erie features several excellent loop running routes. Popular options include the Running loop from Buffalo, the Running loop from Canisius University, and the Hoyt Lake – Delaware Park loop from Buffalo State University, which offers a pleasant run around Hoyt Lake.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I might see while running in Fort Erie?
While jogging in Fort Erie, you can encounter several interesting landmarks and natural features. The historic Point Abino Lighthouse is a unique architectural marvel. You might also pass by areas like Aqua Lane Park, known for its native plants, or enjoy views from Wilkeson Point. The Hoyt Lake area also offers scenic running opportunities.
Are there long-distance running options available in Fort Erie?
Fort Erie is well-suited for long-distance running, thanks to its extensive trail networks. The Erie Canalway Trail is a significant option, stretching over 18.5 km. Additionally, the region is home to segments of the Trans-Canada Trail and the Niagara River Recreational Trail, both offering extensive mileage for longer runs.
What do other runners say about the jogging routes in Fort Erie?
The jogging routes in Fort Erie are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 5.0 stars from several reviews. Nearly 300 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic waterfronts and well-maintained trails.
Are there any running trails that are particularly suitable for families?
Many of Fort Erie's flat and paved trails are ideal for families. The Friendship Recreation Trail, built on an old railway track, is a 16 km flat, paved path that is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, making it a great choice for a family outing. Aqua Lane Park also offers a pleasant, thoughtfully designed space for walks and runs.
Can I find running routes with access to public transport or parking in Fort Erie?
While specific public transport access points for each route are not detailed, Fort Erie's extensive trail network, including the Friendship Recreation Trail and Niagara River Recreational Trail, often has accessible points. For parking, many popular parks and trailheads, such as those near Crystal Beach Waterfront Park, typically offer parking facilities for visitors.
What are the best running routes for experiencing Fort Erie's waterfront?
To best experience Fort Erie's stunning waterfront, consider routes that hug the Lake Erie and Niagara River shorelines. The Friendship Recreation Trail is renowned for its breathtaking waterfront views. Additionally, areas around Bernard Beach, Crescent Beach, Waverly Beach, and Bay Beach in Crystal Beach offer picturesque backdrops for a run right by the water.
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