Rock City Park | Buffalo

Rock City Park in Olean, New York, is a remarkable natural attraction famous for its dramatic and massive rock formations, hiking trails, and rich geological history. Known locally as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a landscape shaped over hundreds of millions of years, featuring enormous quartz conglomerate rocks that tower up to 100 feet high.

Location and Setting

Address: 505A Rock City Road (Route 16 South), Olean, NY 14760

Nestled near the Allegheny National Forest, the park is easily accessible and set within a scenic, forested area of southwestern New York State.

The surroundings combine natural forest beauty with striking rock formations that make the park a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and geology lovers alike.

Geological and Historical Significance

The park’s rock formations date back more than 320 million years to the Carboniferous period.

The quartz conglomerate rocks are formed from compacted quartz pebbles and sand, resulting in massive boulders with unique textures and shapes.

Rock City’s unusual landscape was formed by natural weathering and erosion, creating spectacular features such as narrow passageways, towering cliffs, arches, and crevices.

The park has been a local tourist attraction for over a century and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its importance as a natural and historic landmark.

Main Attractions and Features

1. Hiking Trails and Rock Formations

Visitors can explore approximately 45 minutes of trails winding through and around the massive rock formations.

The trails pass through natural “rock cities” where massive boulders create maze-like paths and tunnels.

Key formations include:

Signal Rock: A prominent outcrop offering panoramic views of the Allegheny Plateau. Visitors can climb to this vantage point for breathtaking scenery.

Tepee Rock: An enormous arch-shaped rock formation resembling a Native American tepee, which has become an iconic symbol of the park.

Three Sisters: A grouping of striking rock pillars located near Tepee Rock.

2. Fluorescent Rock Room

A special exhibit where visitors can see minerals that fluoresce under ultraviolet light, revealing vibrant and unusual colors. This interactive feature highlights the mineral diversity found in the region.

3. Museum and Educational Exhibits

The park includes a small museum area with displays on the geology and history of Rock City Park, explaining how the formations were created and their significance.

Exhibits also showcase fossils and minerals native to the area.

4. Rock and Souvenir Shop

Visitors can purchase unique gems, minerals, fossils, and souvenirs connected to the geology and natural history of the park.

The shop offers educational items as well as keepsakes.

5. Picnic Area

A designated picnic space provides a peaceful spot for visitors to relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation

Open seasonally from May 1 through October 31

Daily hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last ticket sold at 4:00 PM)

The park closes during inclement weather to ensure visitor safety.

Admission Fees

Adults: $8.00

Children (ages 6–12): $4.00

Children under 6: Free

Group rates are available by arrangement.

Accessibility and Safety

Trails involve natural rock steps and uneven terrain; sturdy, closed-toe footwear is highly recommended.

The park is not wheelchair accessible due to rugged paths and rocky areas.

Pets on leashes are welcome; owners must clean up after them.

Visitors should remain on marked trails and exercise caution near cliff edges and steep drop-offs.

Special Events and Seasonal Highlights

Mother’s Day Weekend: Annual Arts and Crafts Show featuring local artisans and vendors.

Columbus Day Weekend: Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show, where collectors and hobbyists can buy, sell, and trade unique specimens.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Allegheny National Forest: Extensive hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities in a vast forested area close to Rock City.

Allegany State Park: New York’s largest state park, offering diverse recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Ellicottville: A nearby charming town known for boutique shops, dining, and seasonal festivals, ideal for visitors combining a nature trip with local culture.

Visitor Tips

Plan to spend at least one hour exploring the park to fully enjoy the rock formations and trails.

Bring water, especially during warm weather, and dress appropriately for hiking.

Check the weather forecast before visiting as the park closes for heavy rain or storms.

Photography enthusiasts will find many dramatic photo opportunities with the towering rocks and scenic views.

Rock City Park offers a fascinating blend of natural history, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re hiking through the impressive rock “canyons,” learning about the geological past, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Allegheny Plateau, it’s a memorable destination for all ages.