Winter Sports and Activities

The Erie County Parks System offers a variety of winter activities to enjoy! 

This page is updated as conditions in our Parks change. While snow conditions may seem optimal, Winter Sports are only open when staffing, grooming, and plowing of lots, paths and other patron areas can be safely and consistently maintained. Due to these conditions, as well as travel bans and storms, some Winter Sports may remain "Closed" on this page temporarily until unsafe conditions pass.

Practice good Winter Sports Etiquette! 

  ❄️ Most of the trails in Erie County Parks are multi-use trails, but not all. Please be sure you are on a trail which is designated for your use and equipment. If you are on a multi-use trail, know the rules and Share the Trail! Hikers have right-of-way over bikers.    

  ❄️ Snowshoes should be used on our multi-use trails if there is 6-8" of snow or more present. This prevents "post-holes" which can be very dangerous to other users. 

  ❄️ If you don't have snow shoes, that is ok, but stick to the main roads instead. Show shoes are never allowed on any dedicated xc ski trail. 

   ❄️ If there is less than 6" of snow on the trail, consider using micro-spikes or YakTracks on your boots. This provides traction but is less damaging to the trail.

   ❄️ Winter hiking with dogs: Dogs can create post-holes, too! Leashed dogs are allowed on multi-use trails BUT please be very mindful of your impact. If your pup is leaving post-holes in any depth of snow, please stay off the trail. Dogs are never allowed on any designated xc ski trail. 

   ❄️ Designated cross-country ski trails are only for cross-country skiers. This is because the conditions required for cross-country skiing are specific to that sport and disrupting those conditions (i.e. post-holes) can make it not only difficult but sometimes impossible to ski.  

For more detailed information on each Park's winter activities including hours of operation, rules, and available restrooms, please select the individual park directly below. 

Akron Falls Park
Chestnut Ridge Park
Como Lake Park
Ellicott Creek Park
Elma Meadows Golf Course
Emery Park
Grover Cleveland Golf Course
Sprague Brook Park

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Additionally, we are pleased to offer roped ice climbing at Eighteen Mile Creek Conservation Park BY PERMIT ONLY. 

In addition to our traditional winter activities, the Erie County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs operates a network of snowmobile trails across Erie County. Some of those trails go through or near a number of our Parks and we specifically allow snowmobile trailer parking at Chestnut Ridge Park, Emery Park and Sprague Brook Park. Snowmobiling is only permissible on the designated NYS trails after January 1st of each year.

Erie County Parks grooms cross-country ski trails in three parks: Elma Meadows Golf Course, Grover Cleveland Golf Course, and Sprague Brook Park. For more information on these trails and cross-country skiing resources, visit our Recreation page.