Buckhorn Island State Park in New York, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-01. Check linked official notices before travel.

Buckhorn Island State Park is a New York park preserve on Grand Island, with marsh, meadow and woodland beside the Niagara River. Plan a daylight walk and bird-watching visit. There are no restrooms, so make that stop before arriving.

Walk a Niagara River wetland preserve

Look for birds from the trails and overlooks rather than expecting a developed recreation complex. The official trail map distinguishes the Fisherman’s Trail, Bike Path and Overlook Path. Choose the route before leaving the entrance.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Allow for changing trail conditions

The park map warns that trail conditions change and that mapped trails and boundaries are approximate. Carry the map and use the marked route. The West River shoreline also has managed waterfowl hunting access. Trail users have priority over vehicles using that access.

Keep pets close and follow posted limits

The day-use limit is two pets, supervised and crated or leashed at six feet or less. Signs can prohibit pets in particular areas, and the policy excludes them from boardwalks. The service-animal exception remains. Carry proof of rabies vaccination if staff request it.

Hunting access uses a separate lottery

West River shoreline hunting blinds are assigned through park lotteries. That system is separate from this walking outing. Contact the park for the current hunting schedule and access instructions before planning a visit around that activity.

Use the Grand Island trail map

The trail map identifies East River Road, Grand Island, New York 14072. The administrative contact is care of Beaver Island State Park. Use the Buckhorn entrance map instead of navigating to that separate park’s office for your walk.

Two other parks reached by road

Beaver Island State Park is at Grand Island’s south end, with its official address at 103 Commission House Road. DeVeaux Woods State Park is at 3120 De Veaux Woods Drive in Niagara Falls, across the road network from Grand Island. DeVeaux Woods opens dawn to dusk and has restrooms year-round.

Watch from the trail and overlooks

Take a nature walk, pause at overlooks or follow the Bike Path for a different land-based route. The DEC wildlife guide identifies gulls, northern harriers, least bitterns and common terns among birds to watch for. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Plan for a simple trail visit

No restroom facilities are available at Buckhorn Island. The map shows parking, benches and bird-viewing locations. Contact park staff about the specific entrance and surface if your visit depends on step-free access.

About the park preserve

Buckhorn protects a remnant of the marshes and meadows that once bordered the Niagara River. Its preserve classification fits a quiet visit focused on habitat and trails.

Restoring a river wetland

Ongoing restoration works to re-establish wetland cover and water levels. This conservation work aims to increase the diversity of native plants and animals.

A Bird Conservation Area

The preserve includes a Bird Conservation Area. Marsh birds and other river birds use a landscape of woods, meadow and wetland. Observe from the trails and overlooks without entering vegetation for a closer view.

Contact

Call 716-773-3271 for Buckhorn Island State Park. Use the official park page for current access information. In an emergency, call 911.