Oatka Creek Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oatka Creek Park is a beautiful natural area in western New York that offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is located in the town of Wheatland, just east of the city of Batavia.

One of the main reasons to visit Oatka Creek Park is its stunning scenery. The park is situated along the banks of Oatka Creek, a tributary of the Genesee River, and features rolling hills, wooded areas, and open fields. There are several hiking trails throughout the park that offer different levels of difficulty and provide opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Another point of interest in Oatka Creek Park is the Oatka Creek Dam, which was built in the 1800s to power a local mill. Today, it is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking. Visitors can also see the historic mill buildings that still stand nearby.

In addition to its natural beauty, Oatka Creek Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a wide range of bird species. Birdwatchers should be sure to bring their binoculars and keep an eye out for species such as bald eagles, great blue herons, and red-tailed hawks.

The best time of year to visit Oatka Creek Park depends on the activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are popular for hiking and fishing, while fall is a great time to see the changing leaves and enjoy the park's scenic beauty. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the park's trails.

Overall, Oatka Creek Park is a beautiful and peaceful natural area that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of western New York's countryside.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks