Grab a Picnic and Head for These Scenic Niagara County Spots
Talk about a meal with a view! These prime picnic areas are the perfect place to relax and unwind while still soaking up all that Niagara Falls USA has to offer.
Here in Niagara County, the perfect picnic awaits — all you need to do is pack your spread (or source one from one of these local restaurants), grab a blanket and pick your destination from this list of our favorite scenic spots.
Please help keep our parks beautiful and dispose of any garbage.
Goat Island | Niagara Falls State Park
Occupying the land between the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls is this historic island, named for a herd of goats that called the island home in the 18th century. These days, the island offers commanding views of the Niagara River rapids, as well as access to Luna Island and the Three Sisters Islands. A picnic area provides the perfect opportunity to fuel up amidst all the sightseeing.
Whirlpool State Park | Niagara Falls, New York
The thundering Falls aren’t the only sight that’ll get your heart pumping in Niagara Falls: the downstream Class V rapids known as the Niagara Whirlpool are a thrill to experience, too. Take in panoramic views of the rapids at a picnic table along the top level of this gorgeous park, and then work off your meal with a jaunt down into the gorge for an even better perspective.
Hyde Park | Niagara Falls, New York
New York’s largest urban park outside of Manhattan, this picturesque expanse of green is home to a rose garden, bocce courts, a small lake and 36 holes of golf, among other attractions. You’ll find picnicking pavilions and plenty of places to stretch out a blanket or string up a hammock.
West Canal Marina & Park | North Tonawanda
Located directly on the Erie Canal, this 27-acre park offers the perfect spot to soak up this historic landmark. Cast a line off the pier, or just gaze at the rippling waters. Kiddos in tow? Let them loose on the playground while the adults relax nearby.
Fort Niagara State Park | Youngstown
On a clear day, you can gaze all the way to the Toronto skyline from a picnic table at this Lake Ontario shoreline park. Adjacent to the Old Fort Niagara Historic Site, this park also offers woodland hiking trails, playgrounds and historic markers. There are 400-some picnic tables — so your odds of finding a super scenic spot to spread out are good!
Golden Hill State Park | Barker
The centerpiece of this park along the shores of Lake Ontario is the historic Thirty Mile Lighthouse, but you’ll find plenty of other things to do pre- and post-picnic — there’s a playground, a nature trail and lovely shoreline hiking.
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Extend your stay and explore Niagara County with our list of spring must-dos.
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Enjoy some of Niagara County’s best views and most interesting outdoor spots on this drive…
![](https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Running.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=213&q=80&w=320&s=49c1136234d4fe59f3d7e3fb681ef2d6 320w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Running.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=360&q=80&w=540&s=e1e1930cf7ba14e73834612fbdc21baf 540w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Running.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=512&q=80&w=768&s=ae8fdcd09e0cc0c22e82e13939fe13c3 768w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Running.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=683&q=80&w=1024&s=99fe373c47d26a1fcb0602c99964df4c 1024w, https://niagara.imgix.net/images/main-images/Running.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=1200&s=405989772796915958517fb3f55ede3c 1185w)
Are you after a scenic stroll? A place to cast a line? A heart-pumping hike…