Round a bend on a forest trail in the hills of East Otto and a thirty-foot steel figure is standing in the ferns, arms raised, as if it grew there. That is the everyday magic of Griffis Sculpture Park, and it sits about 15 minutes north of Ellicottville.
The first of its kind
Sculptor Larry Griffis Jr. began placing his large-scale works in these hills in 1966, creating what is recognized as the first sculpture park in the United States. Today more than 250 sculptures stand across 450 acres of the Ashford Hollow hills: towering aluminum figures, abstract steel forms, giant insects, and pieces that have quietly rusted into the landscape until they feel half wild themselves.
Art you hike to
This is not a museum lawn. The sculptures are spread along miles of real hiking trails through forest, meadow, and pond country, so a visit is equal parts gallery and hike. The park is split into two sections a short drive apart: the Mill Valley Road site (6902 Mill Valley Rd, East Otto), home of the famous towering figures, and the Rohr Hill Road site, with trails winding past ponds and woodland pieces. Wear real shoes, bring water, and give it more time than you think you need.
Photographers, this is your spot. Golden hour light on the hilltop figures is one of the best photo opportunities in the region, and October wraps the sculptures in peak fall color.
Plan your visit
- Season: Open May 1 through October 31.
- Hours: Daily, roughly 7 AM to 7 PM.
- Admission: Suggested donation of $5 per adult, $3 for kids ages 5 to 12 and seniors. Pay online, by Venmo, or at the gift shop on weekends.
- Getting there: About 15 minutes north of Ellicottville. The main entrance is at 6902 Mill Valley Rd, East Otto, NY 14729.
- With kids: A favorite. The scale of the pieces turns the walk into a treasure hunt.
Make it a day
Griffis pairs perfectly with the rest of a slow Ellicottville day: sculptures in the morning, lunch back in the village, and an afternoon at the Nannen Arboretum or on a short section of the Finger Lakes Trail. In fall, add a stop at Pumpkinville in Great Valley and you have a full family loop.
Photos courtesy of Griffis Sculpture Park.