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 riding, and snowmobiling. These trails provide public access through scenic woodlands, wetlands and flowering meadows, offering trail users opportunities to observe the plants, animals and birds found in areas otherwise remote from highways and roads.
The trails are available for outdoor recreational activities and environmental study for the public at large and for group outings sponsored by schools, scouts, churches and service organizations.
CRTT is recognized as an outstanding wildlife habitat in the region and passes through woodlands, wetlands suitable for beavers and waterfowl, and one of the largest cattail marshes in the region. Nearly 200 species of birds have been found here, including the rarities of Olive-sided Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Philadelphia Vireo, American Bittern and approximately 25 species of migrating and nesting warblers. The Ruffed Grouse, six species of nesting woodpeckers, Virginia Rail, Hooded Merganser, Blue-winged Teal, and in the spring, and Northern Waterthrush also call the area home.