I like to throw around the term “Hidden Gem” quite a lot, but can you blame me? It seems like every time I turn around, I discover a new place that, for some unknown reason, isn’t on everyone’s radar. Here is another one… Gulf Wilderness Park. This place is incredible, with rocky rustic trails, a beautiful creek, and even a small waterfall. It is hard to believe this stunning wooded retreat is hidden in a bustling community.
Hiking Gulf Wilderness
There are several trails visitors can choose from here. We took the creekside trail on the way in and the other wooded trail on the way back. The trail is full of protruding rocks and large tree roots. If you aren’t sure-footed, this might not be the hiking trail for you. This is the kind of trail you need to keep your eyes on the path and watch your step to avoid tripping. The area’s topography is stunning, with the trail rising and falling in small rolling hills along the creekside and winding through the woods.
I have read accounts that say the trails here aren’t well-marked. We didn’t find that to be the case. In fact, we felt like someone had gotten quite overzealous, painting blazes on anything that stood still.
We returned to the park in late spring on a warm day. This trail system turns out to be a great place to visit in the summer months to cool off, not just for the stream but for the shaded trail. The trail was 95% shaded and much cooler under the canopy of trees in the forest around the park.
It was also amazing to see the transformation the park underwent between fall and spring. The state of the trees makes a huge difference in the appearance of this park. It was like visiting a completely different place.
Note: Even though the trail is quite shaded, bugs were not an issue when we visited. However, there is quite a bit of poison ivy in spots along the trail. It is far enough off the trail that if you stick to the path, you should be fine.
Indian Falls and 18 Mile Creek
When we visited, one of the bridges across the creek had been washed out. This kept us from hiking part of the trail on the other side of the creek. Otherwise, the hike along the creek is absolutely beautiful.
On the very end of the white trail, just past the parking area on West Jackson Street, is Indian Falls. This isn’t a huge waterfall, but it is alluring, with many small drops over several feet.
When we revisited in the warmer weather, the water in the creek was significantly lower, to the point that Indian Falls were barely flowing. There were still deep places in the creek a numerous spots along the hike.
Out and About with Nova
This is a dog-friendly hike, and Nova just loved the creek. She tried numerous times to jump in, even though it was wintertime. She had a great time trotting down the trails and exploring all the beautiful nature here. We did not encounter any other dogs here, but the trails are narrow in spots. If you visit, please remember to be respectful of other hikers and leash your dog.
As always, please don’t give dog hikers a bad name. Be considerate and clean up after your pets.
Getting to Gulf Wilderness
If you are only interested in visiting the waterfall, It is a quick walk from the West Jackson Street parking area.
Address: 1097 W. Jackson St, Lockport, NY
We parked on Niagara Street, where the parking wasn’t as obvious. We parked in the empty lot near the railroad, which we assumed was the parking area, even though it wasn’t labeled as such.
Address: 704 Niagara St, Lockport, NY
Google Map Link
More Photos of Gulf Wilderness
