The park grounds were historically owned and occupied by the Sisters of St. Francis from 1928 until 1999.
The property contains a significant population of mature apple trees, remnants of the orchard maintained by the former convent residents.
The park is officially designated as a 'passive' park, prohibiting organized sports or large-scale recreational facilities.
The site hosts a diverse range of habitats, including floodplain forests that help manage local watershed runoff.
The park’s trails connect to the wider Amherst bike path network via the adjacent village sections.
Amherst State Park is a 77-acre nature preserve situated along the banks of Ellicott Creek in Williamsville, New York. The landscape serves as a passive recreation area featuring a mix of hardwood forests, meadows, and wetlands. Once the site of a convent for the Sisters of St. Francis, the park now functions as a protected green space for local flora and fauna. The trail system is primarily flat and accessible, making it suitable for casual nature walks and birdwatching. Notable features include restored orchard areas and a scenic bridge crossing the creek. The park is managed through a collaborative effort between the Town of Amherst and local community groups.
The pedestrian bridge overlooking the scenic bend of Ellicott Creek.
Wear waterproof footwear if visiting after rainfall, as the low-lying meadow trails are prone to muddiness.
Bring binoculars if you intend to visit during spring migration, as the creek corridor is a local birding hotspot.
Check the local weather forecast specifically for the town of Williamsville, as the park lacks overhead shelter.
Do not attempt to cross the creek outside of the designated footbridges, as bank erosion is a significant issue and the terrain is unstable.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive wetland flora and pack out all trash to maintain the 'carry-in, carry-out' park policy.
