Trails

A robust trail system and ample parks provide year-round opportunities for nature adventures on some of the best hiking trails in NY. Discover magnificent views and undisturbed landscapes while hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching or snowmobiling the area’s network of multi-use trails. Witness some of the best fall foliage in New York on a walk or ride through Chautauqua County's extensive trail systems.

Chautauqua County has a new Interactive Trails Map and accompanying mobile application. This interactive online map allows trail users to explore the hundreds of miles of trails throughout the county, and select trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and kayaking. It also features images of trail heads and provides information on trail surfaces, trail length, and parking. The mobile application can be downloaded from Avenza, the top-rated app used for hiking and biking, even in the most remote areas of the world. Using GPS technology, Avenza is useful for when trail users are on the trail and want to see their location in real time, regardless of cell reception. 

INTERACTIVE TRAILS MAP

Wegmans Hit the Trail Passport for a Healthier Better Life! Discovering the Trails of Chautauqua County. Get your Free Wegman's Hit the Trail Passport

Notice: Do Not Move Firewood – for information on how insect pests can be transported on firewood, visit the NYS DEC.

Abe Mattison Millrace Park
Located on Everett Street behind the Fancher Chair Company (121 S Work St, Falconer, NY) and surrounded by residential neighborhoods is a little piece of property owned and maintained by Chautauqua County. Formerly known as…
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Alison Wells Ney Trail
9.8 miles. Begins at Bliss Road, and gently descends the Lake Erie Escarpment, and running north to Prospect Road and then through Brocton to Fuller Road, offering vistas of Lake Erie. Parking is available at Prospect…
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Allegany State Park
The largest park in the New York State Park system, Allegany State Park offers cabins, camping, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing with 18 trails covering over 35 miles, for four seasons of outdoor…
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Audubon Community Nature Center
A 600-acre wildlife sanctuary with 6 miles of easy hiking trails through fields, woods, and wetlands with observation towers and handicap accessible overlook.  TRAIL MAP Exhibits, bird collection, Roger Tory Peterson,…
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Bentley Preserve
The 40-acre Bentley Nature Preserve has been a nature preserve since 1960. It was gifted to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy by the Jamestown Audubon Society in 2016. The preserve offers a beautiful spot to hike, bike,…
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Boutwell Hill State Forest
Boutwell Hill State Forest totals 2,944 acres and is located in the Towns of Charlotte and Cherry Creek. The major recreational activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, primitive camping,…
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Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park
The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy's 77-acre Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park provides two moderately developed trails for hiking, biking, and birding, or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter: an easy loop…
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Chautauqua County Hiking Club
We are an informal group of people who enjoy the outdoors. All of our hikes are led by volunteer hike coordinators and the hikes are open to anyone who would like to participate. We offer a range of activities from hiking,…
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Chautauqua Rails to Trails
Chautauqua Rails to Trails preserves beautiful abandoned rail corridors for conversion into safe off-road trails for recreational use: walking, running, hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, bird watching, horseback…
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Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy
The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a county-wide organization with a mission to preserve and enhance the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams and watersheds of the Chautauqua region.…
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CHQ Trail
Chautauqua Institution's CHQ Trail is open to the public from sunrise to sunset all spring, summer and fall for recreational and educational purposes, including hiking, birdwatching and play. TRAIL MAP
Double D.A.B. Riding Stables
The Best Riding Stable in the County, established in 1982. Enjoy a beautiful horseback ride through miles of trails. Fun for the whole family! Double DAB offers trail rides, sunset rides, pony rides, petting farm, lessons,…
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Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail
The eastern section of the county trail system covering 19 miles from Gerry, north to the Town of Arkwright. Hiking, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing, camping lean-tos available. This trail passes over NYS…
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Erlandson Overview Park
Sitting at an elevation of approximately 2,040 feet (second highest in the county), this 76-acre site offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hillsides and of Chautauqua Lake if you happen to visit on a clear day. The…
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Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail
Western section of county trail system covering over 24 miles between near the New York-Pennsylvania border in the Town of Harmony to the south side of the Chautauqua Gorge. Great for hiking, mountain biking or cross-country…
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French Creek Preserve
Our French Creek Preserve on Country Road 4 near Sherman,  can be visited year-round and includes more than three-quarters of a mile of frontage on both sides of the creek, as well as a portion of a significant tributary…
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Harris Hill State Forest
Visitors enjoy Harris Hill State Forest's 2,271 acres for a variety of recreational activities, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and hunting. The Earl…
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Jamestown Riverwalk
The Jamestown Riverwalk is a 5-mile urban trail system that follows the Chadakoin River through Downtown Jamestown NY, perfect for walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading. The Jamestown Riverwalk connects with several…
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Lake Erie State Park
High bluffs overlooking Lake Erie provide a breathtaking view for the visitor to Lake Erie State Park. Lake Erie State Park features a shoreline covering over three quarters of a mile bordering the shallowest of the Great…
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Leolyn Woods & Fairy Trail
Leolyn Woods is a 10-acre tract of old growth forest on the grounds of the community of Lily Dale. Lily Dale Assembly charges a fee for admission during its summer season but is free and open to the public at other times of…
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Luensman Overview Park
A 70-acre overlook on a glacial ridge. Enjoy fabulous sunsets and view of Lake Erie, and on a clear day you can see the Canadian shore! Picnic pavilion & tables. Interpretive trail with easy grade, approximately 1 mile…
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Marden E. Cobb Waterway Trail
Two flat-water trails, over 25 miles each with excellent opportunities for canoeing, several launch points, and lean-to shelters. The Cassadaga Creek runs from the Cassadaga Lakes until it converges with Conewango Creek. The…
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Mt. Pleasant State Forest
Mount Pleasant State Forest totals 1,522 acres and is located in the Town of Chautauqua. This forest provides opportunities for many outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, mountain…
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North Harmony State Forest
North Harmony State Forest provides many outdoor recreational opportunities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, horseback riding, and hunting and totals 2,561 acres and is located in the…
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Panama Rocks Scenic Park
Explore a half-mile long ridge of 60-foot high rock forming crevices, passageways, and caves hidden in an ancient forest! Located just 15 minutes from Chautauqua Lake (45 minutes from Erie and 90 minutes from Buffalo), Panama…
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Panama State Forest
Panama State Forest spans 1,224 acres in the town of Harmony, located south of Panama in the southwestern portion of Chautauqua County. It is a perfect setting for numerous outdoor recreational activities, including…
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Portage Trail -Trolley Line Nature Trail
The old railbed of the Portage Trail was previously used as a trail by Native Americans and French Canadians to gain access to Chautauqua Lake and the Ohio country. Hike the Portage Trail section from the Rail Trail Junction…
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Ralph C. Sheldon Trail
4.3 miles. The Ralph C. Sheldon Trail begins at Titus Road and runs northward to Summerdale Road, passes through woodlands and through wetlands which offer habitat suitable for beavers and migrating waterfowl. Parking is…
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Roger Tory Peterson Institute
The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History offers a compelling mix of nature art and nature-based education and observation opportunities. The Institute is highlighted by its exhibits dedicated to the life's work of famed ornithologist and wildlife artist, Roger Tory Peterson.
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Stockton State Forest
Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing are popular recreational activities in the 977-acre Stockton State Forest. While there are no designated hiking trails at…
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