Discover Grand Island’s West River Shoreline Trail: A Hidden Gem Near Niagara Falls

Looking for the best bike trail near Niagara Falls? Just two miles from the world-famous cascade lies a breathtaking outdoor sanctuary—Grand Island, often called the Heart of the Niagara River. And not just in spirit: viewed from above, Grand Island is literally shaped like a heart, cradled at the end of the Great Lakes—the largest freshwater storage system on Earth. It’s the final pulse in a chain that begins with Lake Superior and ends at Niagara Falls, pumping life into the river, the region, and beyond.

Nearly the size of Manhattan, Grand Island offers unmatched natural beauty—nestled between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Once home to the Indigenous Neutral Nation, and later a strategic site during British-American conflicts, it was even proposed as the future home of the United Nations. Today, it’s known for something quieter: peace, preservation, and awe-inspiring views.

At the center of this natural wonder is the West River Shoreline Trail, an 8-mile, car-free path along the island’s western edge. Once a trucking route built by Robert Moses, the road has been transformed into a world-class trail—perfect for biking, walking, running, birdwatching, and soaking in panoramic views of the Niagara River. It’s honestly one of the best bike and pedestrian paths anywhere, not just in the the Niagara region.

The trail connects Beaver Island State Park in the south to Buckhorn Island State Park in the north, where Burnt Ship Creek flows through storied wetlands said to hold the remains of French ships lost to war. Today, the parks and preserves of Grand Island form one continuous loop of adventure—offering one of the most scenic bike routes in Western New York.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the trail became a lifeline. A safe, serene escape for families, solo hikers, and cyclists alike. And it remains that way: open, free, and filled with wildflowers, herons, fresh air, and the roar of the river just beyond the trees.

Seasonal recreation permits are available for boaters and water lovers, offering access to limited dock space and shoreline activities. The docks are removed each winter to protect the environment and make way for spring renewal—but the trail itself is open year-round.

Whether you’re biking from Buffalo to Niagara Falls or looking for your new favorite kayaking spot, Grand Island’s West River Shoreline Trail is a must-visit.

Just imagine a place where you can bike, walk, kayak, or even swim just two miles from the edge of Niagara Falls—safely, peacefully, surrounded by wildflowers, herons, and open sky. That place exists. It’s called Grand Island, and it’s one of the most remarkable and overlooked landscapes in North America.

Come ride it. Come walk it. Come breathe it in.

You won’t believe it until you see it.