Exploring a rock city is an adventure like no other. Walking among the boulders feels like being on a city street among skyscrapers. Clustered in the southwestern corner of New York State, each of the four sites mentioned below has a unique creation story going back to when a vast, shallow inland sea covered the area. Over time, continental drift, glacial activity, and mountain building affected the area.
You can spread out visits to Southern Tier parks over multiple-day trips, allotting at least an hour or two for each park.
A Cluster of Rock Cities
I found it quite peaceful to explore the alleyways. The moss helps to absorb sound, while the shadows keep the temperature cool even in August.
Visiting these rocky cities is an adventure like no other. If you ask anyone who has camped in Allegany State Park what their favorite memories are, I bet Thunder Rocks would be in the top three!
This map shows the proximity of the massive rock parks in the southwestern corner of New York State.
Please make sure to visit all four rock cities to experience their unique features. Here are some highlights, but don’t forget to check the websites for the most up-to-date admission fees, policies, and seasonal information. The prices listed below are from 2022 and are for estimation purposes only.
Little Rock City in Rock City State Forest
Located in Little Valley, between Ellicottville & Salamanca.
Free of charge, pets on a leash.
Access the trail from the end of Little Rock City Forest Road at the turn-around loop.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park
Located in Panama, near Jamestown.
The general admission fee is $8.50 online or $10 at the gate, Seasonal (May-October).
Disposables are not allowed in the scenic area (water bottles, plastic bags, etc.)
Pets are not allowed.
An adult must accompany guests under 18.
Repelling is allowed, except down moss-covered cliffs.
Rock City Park
Located in Olean.
The general admission fee is $5, Seasonal (May-October).
Leashed pets are allowed on the trails.
Thunder Rocks
Located in Allegany State Park.
Access includes park admission, free for Empire State Pass holders (borrow one from a Monroe County library!)
Climbing on rocks is permitted, as are leashed pets.
Multiple Day Trips
You won’t be able to see all of these parks in one day, so consider spreading them out over a few months or spending a night in the area. Plan to spend at least an hour at each park.
During our visit to Little Rock City in November, we decided to spend an hour in Allegany State Park. After that, we explored the beautiful Little Rock City for a few hours. We had planned to have dinner in Ellicottville, but we lost track of time, so we ate the leftovers from our picnic on the way back home.
Learn More About Rock Cities
Here are a few resources to learn more about these geo-interesting places!
Learn about New York State geology by watching the videos in this excellent YouTube playlist.
This article on the Western New York Explorer’s Guide describes a few of the rock parks in more detail.
An excellent write-up on Panama Rocks’ geological history.
Little Rock City is on state land, and the DEC has a great article to familiarize you with the area.
Explore More
Ellicottville offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, craft beverages, and delicious dining.
From Vidler’s to the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street in East Aurora.
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.
50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
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.
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
Have you been to one of our rock cities?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
Help Support My Work
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
Is there a particular one you recommend visiting with little kids/little legs?
I think that Thunder Rocks in Allegany State Park is the easiest to walk right in. Little Rock City requires climbing down from the top of the rocks. Rock City in Olean and Panama Rock both have admission fees and have more climbing aspects. Borrow an Empire Pass from a Monroe County library to access Allegany for free.
I just learned about rock cities and thanks to your awesome site discovered there are 4 clustered together right here close-ish to Rochester! While I would love to hit all four, my family would object. Could you recommend the one (or 2) that would top your list? Thank you!
What’s great, too, Andrea, is that they are all different experiences and were created using different processes. Not all are glacier made! You must visit them all.