Little Rock City in Rock City State Forest: Enchanting Forest in New York

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Little Rock City in Salamanca, New York, is enchanting, serene, and like nothing you have ever seen. Well, actually it is quite similar to a few other nearby parks in the region. There are a handful of parks in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region of New York State, including Thunder Rocks, Panama Rocks, and Rock City Park in Olean that are similar. Yet, I daresay Litte Rock City may be my favorite.

At Little Rock City in Salamanca’s Rock City State Forest, you can experience this geographic phenomenon up close. There is something about this park that is so alluring and magical, from the treelined dirt roads leading to the forest to the moment you step onto the massive rocks.

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Before You Go
🏨 Book Wingate by Wyndham, a great hotel in Ellicottville! This is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the region.
🚗 Rent a Car: You’ll need a car to explore Northern PA. Check out the best rental car prices here.

Table of Contents

Where is Little Rock City /Rock City State Forest

Little Rock City is located in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region of New York, between Salamanca and Ellicottville. While it has a Salamanca address, this park is closer to Ellicottville. Little Rock City in Rock City State Forest is just about 15 minutes from Ellicottville and 20 minutes from Salamanca. Due to its location, Rock City State Forest makes a great day trip if you are coming from the Southern Tier or Western New York. There are also plenty of things to do in the region to keep you busy for a weekend getaway.

About Little Rock City

Little Rock City is notable for its large rock formations scattered throughout the forest. It isn’t known precisely how these massive boulders were formed. While the mystery of its formation remains, Little Rock City is a unique place to explore in New York State.

There are several ways to experience Little Rock City: walk on top of the massive boulders or take the ground-level trail looking up at the boulders. Or, you can do both to experience Little Rock City fully.

Visiting Rock City State Forest

The Drive to Little Rock City

The drive into Rock City State Forest brings you through tree-lined dirt roads. It is an absolutely beautiful drive that allows you to enjoy the surroundings. While the road is dirt and covered in gravel, it is relatively even, so even a small car can handle the roads just fine. Yet, your car will likely come out of this adventure covered in dirt or mud.

Parking at Little Rock City

While there may be cars pulled alongside the road, be sure to drive all the way to the end of Little Rock City Road. Here you will find a small parking area for Little Rock City.

Is There an Entry Fee

Little Rock City is free to visit. There is no entry fee, and parking is free as well.

Little Rock City Experience

Just steps away from the parking area, you will enter the forest. Yet, you will soon notice that the ground below your feet is actually rock. There are massive moss-covered boulders covering the ground. In some spots, trees even grow from these boulders. At first, you may not even realize that you are walking along boulders until you reach an area where you need to walk from one rock to another, high above the ground.

Take a closer look at the moss-covered rocks and trees; you may find unique mushrooms growing in the damp moss. The moss and mushrooms give a sense of otherworldliness, and it feels like walking through a fairytale land.

For the most part, it is easy to walk around the rocks, jumping from one to another and climbing down in certain spots. However, if you are afraid of heights, you may be more comfortable on the ground level, where you can look up at the rocks.

While there are trails you can take to see more of the area, you can have a wonderful time simply walking around the rocks. There are so many great climbing opportunities and crevices to explore.

Little Rock City Nature Loop Trail

The Little Rock City Nature Look Trail is a great way to explore the area. This trail is an easy 0.7-mile loop trail that winds through the rocks and allows you to get a good scope of the area. While the loop trail allows you to see the entirety of this area, following the trail isn’t necessary to enjoy your time at Little Rock City. This is one of those destinations that is about simply enjoying the unique landscape. There aren’t any particular views to be seen on the trail. Yet, the trail is a great way to ensure you have seen plenty of rocks.