After learning about the Wild America Nature Festival on Facebook, I thought a trip to Panama Rocks was in order. I have seen the amazing video they advertise on Facebook and heard so many people talk about the views. Having lived in Western New York my whole life you would think I’d have hiked this “half-mile long ridge of 60-foot high rock forming crevices, passageways, and caves hidden”.
The Panama Rocks Park is easy to find. Just around 10-15 minutes from Chautauqua, NY according to our GPS. Even though the trail is rated a Class 1 you still need to sign a waiver. Once inside you can understand why. While they have an easy trail mapped out for you, most guests including myself, tend to wander through and around these majestic rock creations.
I would recommend wearing appropriate hiking attire if you do decide to go the “adventurous route”. The rocks are all different shapes, sizes, colors and the ground can be very unforgiving to your angles if you happen to slip or fall. Beauty seems to surround you at every twist, turn and root development.
“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing” – C. Pissarro
These green covered rocks can be a photographers next viral shot or their worst nightmare. The lighting here changes quickly as the Sun moves between the branches. Keep an eye on the weather before you plan a trip. We noticed it tends to change rather drastically. We had the perfect atmosphere to participate in the Parks scavenger hunt!
“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence”. –Abigail Adams
One of the main reasons for waiting to visit, was my sons age. I wanted to make sure he could tackle the “hiking” aspect. I would say the trail itself is easy. It is perfect for children around 6 and up. Off the beaten path is where it could get tricky. Just be weary of your surroundings and make it fun. Learning about nature and exploring are really why we get out in these remote places!
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
Overall Panama Rocks is a great place to enjoy with your family and friends. We truly enjoyed the Wild America festival particularly the Birds of Prey demonstrations. Learning about nature, creatures and wildlife are a huge passion for us. If you are looking for a fun outdoor activity this is worth a trip in my opinion!
Ever visited the Panama Rocks Park?
Do you enjoy hiking?
Would you hike with your family and kids??
I will say, as a transplant New Yorker (originally from Texas!), our state does have some beautiful spots! I love walking the gorge in Watkins Glen, where my wife and I live. Looking at your pictures, it reminds me of our gorge. I'll have to plan a trip to Panama! Commenting for Ladonna Dennis Maxwell @momblogsociety.com
Oh Wow, the photographs of the rocks covered in the green moss are stunning! I have never been to the US, (I live in Canada) I could find some friends and turn this into a day trip.
Wow, what a cool spot. Any time we can reconnect to nature it's a great experience. I need to get here!
Panama Rocks looks like so much fun. I love nature and enjoy unwinding in the midst of it. I think I will be doing a trip to here pretty soon. Thanks for sharing!
We are going on a nature hike tomorrow. I am now disappointed. This looks like a much better experience to be had. I can't wait to visit the Panama Rocks.
I lived for many years in upstate New York and it is definitely gorgeous! I have never heard of Panama Rocks but I want to visit there now! It seems so pretty and very peaceful!
OH my gosh it is so green. I honestly didnt know upstate NY was this green and beautiful. Wow. Now I am adding this area to our travel wish list. So beautiful.
this looks like a lovely day out! great that you could take your son too!
Panama Rocks looks to be a very fun and beautiful day out. I find it so hard to believe that I have so many beautiful places around me but never go. You have inspired me to start looking for the beauty around me and go out and see it!
I LOVE that you got your son out and about! All too often kids are just cooped up inside and laze about playing video games!!
Wonderful place to spend the day with your son! I love that you continually explore places close to home. What a great way to get a little adventure into your daily lives.
J
Panama Rocks 'rocks' truly! What a beautiful forest with all these rocks and hidden caves to hide and seek for the children.
Panama Rocks look really lovely, what with all those formations and green color! I just love how you and your son has bonded over this. Kids do need hiking trips once in a while! 😉
WOW! SO many things to see out there! I love how unusual the vegetation looks – like someone wanted to create a funky place for people to explore
This looks like a really cool place to explore. Love all the green!
I hadn't heard of this but loving the photos of the amazing rock crevices and lush greenery. It feels like a film set, I wonder if it's been used as one?
I have fallen in love with this lush greenery. It's such a cool place to fall in love with nature.