The Best Sledding Hills Around Buffalo

By Karen Fashana

Published on | Last Updated

Ask any Buffalo kid to name something about winter that makes them happy, and they’ll respond with, “Fresh snow and a sled!” The cold wind in their face, the perfect shade of pink on their cheeks and the endless giggles from that wild 10-second ride…it’s what wintry dreams are made of! And best of all, there’s no lift tickets, expensive equipment or experience needed! All you need is a sled and a destination (and we can help you with both)

Mother Nature has decorated Western New York with inch upon inch of freshly-fallen snow making your visit to our winter wonderland perfectly timed. Here’s a list of some of the region’s best sledding hills (Buffalo kid-approved):

Delaware Park Shakespeare Hill – Photo by Annette Tiberi

WHERE TO HEAD:

Delaware Park

near 199 Lincoln Pkwy, Buffalo

Make your way to Shakespeare Hill, located just behind the Marcy Casino for the perfect sledding option right in the heart of the city.

Elma Meadows

1711 Girdle Rd, Elma

As the seasons change from summer to winter, Elma Meadows converts from a golf course to a sledding hill. Hang on tight, though! It’s a fast one! Just remember, a quick trip down means a slow climb up.

Akron Falls Park

44 Parkview Dr, Akron

With multiple sledding hills to choose from, pick the size hill that suits your family best or try them all!

Beaver Island State Park

2136 Oakfield Rd, Grand Island

One of our favorite summertime spots, is just as cool in the winter. Head towards the lagoon and you can’t miss their sledding hill. (Don’t worry, it’s not THAT close to the lagoon.)

Tobagganing at Chestnut Ridge Park

Chestnut Ridge Park

Chestnut Ridge Park

6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park

A go-to destination for all winter outdoor enthusiasts. They boast one of the largest sledding hills in Western New York, not to mention tobogganing and skiing (both downhill and cross-country).

Como Park

2220 Como Park Blvd, Lancaster

This popular sledding hill in Lancaster is the perfect option for families who are looking for variety in winter activities as they have two ice skating rinks and cross-country ski trails as well.

Ellicott Creek Park

1 Ellicott Creek Dr, Tonawanda

Head to Tonawanda for another solid sledding hill option. Enter from Niagara Falls Boulevard and the sledding hill is on your right.

Billy Wilson Park

1290 Hopkins Rd, Williamsville

The perfect-sized hill for your littles is located in Amherst named after local Army Staff Sgt. William Wilson who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.

Gunther’s Hill

83 Woodview Ave, Hamburg

Tucked away in the village of Hamburg is a hidden gem called Woodview Park. The slope down to 18-Mile Creek forms a natural sledding hill in the winter.

Botanical Gardens

2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo

A beautiful backdrop for sledding as it’s situated right on the grounds of the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens.

Sprague Brook Park

9674 Foote Rd, Glenwood

Head south to Glenwood, NY for another steep option with plenty of open space for your sled to sail!

Photo by The Tool Library

NO SLED? NO PROBLEM.

If your sled didn’t fit in your suitcase, here’s a few options for tracking one down:

Little Free Sled Library

Shoshone Park, Buffalo

We aren’t the City of Good Neighbors for no reason. Head to Shoshone Park in North Buffalo to see what’s available courtesy of The Tool Library and friendly Buffalo neighbors.

Vidler’s 5 & 10

676 Main St, East Aurora

If you’re sledding destination has your pointed south, swing by Vidler’s 5 & 10 in East Aurora to pick one up.

As a last resort, the chain stores like Target, Walmart or Home Depot will some in stock. Better yet, consider donating it to the Little Free Sled Library before you head home!

Karen Fashana headshot

Karen Fashana

Lifelong Buffalonian with a crazy passion for this city. My job as the Senior Director of Marketing at Visit Buffalo Niagara is a match made in heaven. Go Bills!