Little Rock City in Salamanca’s Rock City State Forest, not to be confused with Rock City Park in nearby Olean, is free to explore! You could spend 20 minutes or two hours wandering through the boulders, some as large as houses.
What I found most striking about Little Rock City specifically is how serene it can be exploring the alleyways. The moss helps to absorb sound, the shadows keep the trails cool, and the crack of a twig under foot is amplified around you. Visiting these rock cities is an experience like no other.
Explore these cool, quiet, mossy rock cities near Rochester, with boulders the size of houses! You’ll love Panama Rocks, Rock City Park, Little Rock City, and Thunder Rocks in Allegany State Park.
More about Little Rock City
Cost: Free
Located in Little Valley, between Ellicottville & Salamanca, 2 hours and 15 minutes / 115 miles from Rochester (get directions).
More information: enchantedmountains.com
Access to the trail is from the end of Little Rock City Forest Road at the turn-around loop, which may be inaccessible in snow.
The trail loops through the rocks and intersects the North Country Scenic Trail where it can be followed back to the Little Rock City Forest Road.
If you are interested in the geology of the area, read more about the Cattaraugus County Geology Trail
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history, filled with drumlins, fossils, house-sized boulders and a meromictic lake, will leave you awe-struck!
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Here are a few less populated, rustic, or unusual trails around Rochester that will inspire you to take a hike. A diverse collection of rail-trails, waterside trails, and inland trails.
Have you been to Little Rock City?
Share with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!