Panama Rocks is the #1 Ranked Trail in New York State (Inspirock) and the #1 Rated Attraction in Chautauqua County (TripAdvisor & Google)!
Come explore an enchanting world of towering rocks, deep crevices and passageways, cool, cavernous dens, and small caves! The rock formations are a unique outcrop of 300 million year old quartz conglomerate sedimentary rock that extend about half a mile and reach upwards of 60 feet tall. Grotesque roots snake down the rocks and delicate ferns, mosses, and lichens add to Panama Rock’s unique, jungle-like charm. The forest at Panama Rocks is recognized and included in The Sierra Club’s Guide to the Ancient Forests of the Northeast and is home to 800+ year old hemlocks, and other species of venerable trees, including ash, beech, black cherry, elm, red maple, and sugar maple.
What's the trail like? The main trail at Panama Rocks is a one-mile loop around a half-mile ridge of rock formations and guests are welcome to explore off-trail at their own risk. If you can walk one mile on uneven ground you should be able to explore Panama Rocks!
Where is it? Panama Rocks is in Chautauqua County (TripAdvisor and Google's #1 rated attraction there!) just 15 minutes from Chautauqua Lake, 45 minutes from Erie, and 90 minutes from Buffalo.
When is it open/how much does it cost?: There is a small admission fee because Panama Rocks has been in operation and funded ENTIRELY by its guests since 1885 (thank you for your support)! Hours and admission rates (and park rules) are online here.
How do we visit? Come during our entry hours (10:00am to 4:00pm)! You can make hiking reservations, but they are not required unless you want a group rate (12+ people)! Reservations are required for glamping, camping, and axe throwing.
Are dogs allowed? Panama Rocks now allows dogs! They must be friendly to strangers and leashed. Dogs are allowed on the lower section of the trail and rock area only - we ask guests not to bring them on the upper trail by the cliffs and drop offs.
Come explore an enchanting world of towering rocks, deep crevices and passageways, cool, cavernous dens, and small caves! The rock formations are a unique outcrop of 300 million year old quartz conglomerate sedimentary rock that extend about half a mile and reach upwards of 60 feet tall. Grotesque roots snake down the rocks and delicate ferns, mosses, and lichens add to Panama Rock’s unique, jungle-like charm. The forest at Panama Rocks is recognized and included in The Sierra Club’s Guide to the Ancient Forests of the Northeast and is home to 800+ year old hemlocks, and other species of venerable trees, including ash, beech, black cherry, elm, red maple, and sugar maple.
What's the trail like? The main trail at Panama Rocks is a one-mile loop around a half-mile ridge of rock formations and guests are welcome to explore off-trail at their own risk. If you can walk one mile on uneven ground you should be able to explore Panama Rocks!
Where is it? Panama Rocks is in Chautauqua County (TripAdvisor and Google's #1 rated attraction there!) just 15 minutes from Chautauqua Lake, 45 minutes from Erie, and 90 minutes from Buffalo.
When is it open/how much does it cost?: There is a small admission fee because Panama Rocks has been in operation and funded ENTIRELY by its guests since 1885 (thank you for your support)! Hours and admission rates (and park rules) are online here.
How do we visit? Come during our entry hours (10:00am to 4:00pm)! You can make hiking reservations, but they are not required unless you want a group rate (12+ people)! Reservations are required for glamping, camping, and axe throwing.
Are dogs allowed? Panama Rocks now allows dogs! They must be friendly to strangers and leashed. Dogs are allowed on the lower section of the trail and rock area only - we ask guests not to bring them on the upper trail by the cliffs and drop offs.
Panama Rocks is perfect for families, couples, or individuals looking to spend time in nature. Whether you take a casual hike or climb through the countless passageways, caves, and crevices, how much you do is up to you! Visitors spend anywhere from one hour to the entire day having fun and exploring the park. Those looking to learn about the history, ecology, and geology of Panama Rocks will enjoy our information signs, and kids of all ages can have fun trying to find the hidden treasure of Panama Rocks on our treasure hunt!
The formations at Panama Rocks are surrounded by a one mile long hiking trail, but most guests enjoy going off of the main trail to explore! Our hiking trail is relatively easy to hike (Class 1) and guests of all ages enjoy it, but there are roots, rocks, and uneven ground; it is still a hiking trail! Strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended on the trail. Picnic tables are available, so bring a lunch and enjoy your day with us!
Please note that guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and pets are NOT permitted in the park.
The formations at Panama Rocks are surrounded by a one mile long hiking trail, but most guests enjoy going off of the main trail to explore! Our hiking trail is relatively easy to hike (Class 1) and guests of all ages enjoy it, but there are roots, rocks, and uneven ground; it is still a hiking trail! Strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended on the trail. Picnic tables are available, so bring a lunch and enjoy your day with us!
Please note that guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and pets are NOT permitted in the park.
