Panama Rocks was established as a privately operated park in 1885, the same year as Niagara Falls State Park. The rock formations themselves date back about 400 to 350 million years ago (Ma), during the Devonian period.
The Devonian period was a time when the entire area was at the bottom of an ancient tropical sea, and we were much closer to the Equator. You can also explore evidence of this period at Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve just south of Buffalo and at the Museum of the Earth near Ithaca.
Check in at the main office
The staff will give you a brief overview of the park, safety information, and a map. Sign a waiver and enter at your own risk.
That sounds worse than it is!
When climbing boulders, watch your footing, know your limits, and use common sense.
The trail
The main trail at Panama Rocks is a one-mile loop around a half-mile ridge of rock formations.
Because of time limitations, we only walked around the first three formations and had no issues other than keeping an eye on the tree roots and boulders on the trail. I would qualify this as easy if you have full mobility.
Climbing the Rock City
You can choose to leave the trail and climb over, under, and through the rocks. Rappelling is allowed; just be mindful not to damage native flora—no rappelling down the moss-covered cliffs.
How the area was created
According to the website, “The caves, crevices, and passageways that run through the rocks are likely the result of freezing and thawing: rocks cracking under pressure from the elements and their own weight; slowly and steadily pulled downhill by gravity in a process known as “creep.”
“After the end of Champlain period a dense pine forest grew up in the area, which eventually gave way to the maple, beech, black ash and hemlock we see today.”
More information about Panama Rocks Scenic Park
Cost: There is an entrance fee
Located in Panama near Jamestown in Chautauqua County, roughly 2.5 hours / 165 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information can be found at panamarocks.com. Pets are not allowed. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear suitable footwear for hiking.
Explore More
Western New York’s Top 4 Rock Cities—All Easy Day Trips from Rochester
Discover four rock cities near Rochester, where moss-draped boulders, narrow canyons, and panoramic trails await.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
Transformative Travel Destinations
Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.
The bluffs in Chimney Bluffs State Park are fragile drumlins, like all of the truncated drumlins along this section of shoreline.
Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve
Penn Dixie Fossil Park is a hidden gem just 10 miles south of Buffalo. Visitors can find and collect 380 million-year-old fossils.
Have you been to Panama Rocks?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Help Support My Work
People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.
If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.
Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep producing meaningful and helpful content.
Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
