Akron Falls – Akron, NY

If you find yourself in the Buffalo region, this waterfall is a must-see. Akron Falls is probably one of the easiest waterfall hikes in western New York and the falls are some of the most majestic.

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The Falls

The flow of Akron Falls fluctuates depending on the amount of water in Murder Creek, which feeds the falls. Although the creek has a horrible name, it is actually quite beautiful. The water level can vastly change the landscape of this entire area. and because of Akron Falls’s unique natural design, you never quite see the same waterfall twice.

If you visit during the summer, Akron Falls and the surrounding creek can become quite low. Nonetheless, even with the decreased water level, this waterfall is stunning. The way the water cascades over the falls, pouring out of different cracks in the rock and creating ribbons of water, is incredible. The Falls, surrounded by various types of plant life, give it the appearance of a waterfall found in a tropical paradise.

Walking Along Murder Creek

There are several ways to reach the falls. You can park in the parking lot directly behind the waterfalls and take a short walk to the falls. However, if you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Akron Park, you can park by Pavilion 5 or 9, take the Akron Falls Trail, and walk along Murder Creek up to the Falls.

This trail has an alluring beauty that is hard to describe in words. Murder Creek is filled with large boulders, and the trees’ shade over the creek causes a mossy coating to form on the rocks at the edge. You can relax and admire the water flowing over the rocks in many spots. The creek’s water level varies throughout the year. The creek is usually at its lowest in the summer but never dry, revealing more of the rocky creek side. Don’t let this discourage you from visiting; I believe this is when the creek is at its most charming and beautiful.

The Legend of Murder Creek

Murder Creek received its name from a legend of an Indian maiden whose love was murdered by another man who was obsessed with her. It is a long and involved legend, which you can read here. Legend has it that if you wandered down to the creek at midnight, you could hear the disembodied whispers of the long-lost lovers, who were only united in death.

Exploring Akron Falls Park

Of course, Akron Falls is the main attraction of this beautiful park, but there is much more here than meets the eye.

The Rock Garden

After the Falls, the Rock Garden is my favorite part of the park. It is located along the main park road, a little way down from the Falls. The garden features a beautiful rock garden with a pond, ornate rock benches, an abundance of flowers, shrubbery, and, of course, the beautiful rockscape.

This is a great location for pictures, such as wedding and graduation photos.

Other Park Amenities

Akron Falls Park is part of the Erie County Parks system, which includes 18 unique parks. The park, named after the falls, is quite large, with numerous trails for exploration and beautiful gardens. Akron Falls Park offers plenty of picnic areas with grills, tables, 12 shelters, 1 lodge, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The park was established in the 1930s as part of the Civil Works Administration.

Winter at Akron Falls

The Akron Falls Trail runs right alongside Murder Creek from the bridge up to the waterfall. This is a great hike to take but be careful walking this trail when the creek is really moving. We visited after a heavy snowfall melted and the creek was almost like white water rapids.

This is a nice walk, and if the water table is particularly high, there are other smaller falls along the trail.

The trail from the creek to the falls, as well as from the falls to the parking lot, is narrow and steep. Although paved, it can be very slippery under certain conditions. During our first visit to the falls, even with good hiking boots on, we were still slipping and sliding on the path because ice had formed over the packed-down snow.

Proper footwear is important on this trail. I highly recommend visiting in the winter to see the falls covered in ice and snow; it’s fantastic. However, you should be sure to wear microspikes and yaktrax. They will keep you from falling on the ice.

Akron Falls Park

Address: 44 Parkview Drive., Akron, New York

Google Map Link

Have you visited Akron Falls Park before? What is your favorite waterfall in New York State? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.