Even if you haven’t been living in New York for too long, famous natural wonders like Niagara Falls and Watkins Glen State Park are sure to have already crossed your radar. But if you’re looking for a lesser-known gem to visit in our state that’s equally as breathtaking, then head out to New York’s westernmost corner to unveil a beautiful surprise.

Part of a small town out in Chautauqua County, Panama Rocks Scenic Park has been welcoming visitors since the early 1880s.

TryppAdams/TripAdvisor

Truly out in the westernmost part of our state, the small town of Panama is just 15-minutes away from the southern shores of Chautauqua Lake.

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Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Panama Rocks Scenic Park has a 1-mile-long trail that takes you through the park, leading you to some of the dreamiest scenery you’ve ever explored.

Panama Rocks Scenic Park/TripAdvisor

With enormous rock formations that are upwards of 60-feet-tall, you won’t believe your eyes as you make your way through this trail.

Panama Rocks Scenic Park/Facebook

Easy enough for New Yorkers of all ages to explore, you’ll want to wear a sturdy pair of sneakers as you’ll have to walk across different types of terrain and navigate over exposed tree roots.

Panama Rock Scenic Park/TripAdvisor

In certain areas of the park, you’ll get to test your bravery and see if you can squeeze through certain crevices in the rock formations.

Panama Rocks Scenic Park/TripAdvisor

And you’ll want to always keep an eye out for wildlife, frequently running into friendly critters like salamanders along the way.

Frank F/TripAdvisor

During the summer, Panama Rocks Scenic Park makes for a refreshing place to visit, with naturally air-conditioned caves and crevices ready to cool you down during our hottest days.

Panama Rocks Scenic Park/Facebook

Open until the end of October, hike through history at Panama Rocks Scenic Park.

Oat R/TripAdvisor Like we said, Panama Rocks Scenic Park is an exciting and refreshingly cool place to explore during the summer. But if you can’t squeeze it into your busy summer schedule, then the fall is always a great time to visit too when all the Elm, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, and Black Cherry Trees are looking their most colorful.

To find out more about Panama Rocks Scenic Park, click here.

How to get here: 11 Rock Hill Road, Panama, NY 14767



TryppAdams/TripAdvisor

Google Maps

Panama Rocks Scenic Park/TripAdvisor

Panama Rocks Scenic Park/Facebook

Panama Rock Scenic Park/TripAdvisor

Frank F/TripAdvisor

Oat R/TripAdvisor

Like we said, Panama Rocks Scenic Park is an exciting and refreshingly cool place to explore during the summer. But if you can’t squeeze it into your busy summer schedule, then the fall is always a great time to visit too when all the Elm, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, and Black Cherry Trees are looking their most colorful.

To find out more about Panama Rocks Scenic Park, click here.

How to get here: 11 Rock Hill Road, Panama, NY 14767

Have your own photos from Panama Rocks Scenic Park? Then join our New York Nature Lovers group on Facebook where our love for nature and photography comes together to celebrate the Empire State’s natural wonders!

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