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 system. A loop trail follows the variety of habitats at the French Creek Preserve: The floodplain forest, found in low-lying areas near the creek, is characterized by sugar and red maples, hawthorn, and sycamore, with a ground layer of sensitive fern and spice bush. The trail also winds through a mixed hardwood forest and up along the creekside bluff. The entire loop can be hiked in approximately 1 hour. Over 90 acres of wildlife preserve teeming with migratory birds and other protected animals. Also, perfect for cross country skiing.
Not only is it the most biologically diverse aquatic system in the Northeast, but it also contains five times more species than the average New York stream! Eighty-nine species of fish including the spotted darter, mountain brook lamprey and northern madtom; 27 species of mussel including clubshell and northern riffleshell. Other animals of interest include black bear, river otter, osprey, wild turkey, walleye and muskellunge.
The floodplain forest, found in low-lying areas near the creek, is characterized by sugar and red maples, hawthorn and sycamore, with a ground layer of sensitive fern and spice bush. Enjoy the shade of the dense stands of eastern hemlock growing on the moist acidic soils near the creek. Wildflowers include mountain laurel, trout lily, Virginia blue bells, Hepatica, skunk cabbage and many orchids.
French Creek Preserve is located in Sherman, New York, within Chautauqua County. PLEASE NOTE: French Creek is open during hunting season (Oct 1 - Dec 20). We recommend wearing blaze orange.
DIRECTIONS:
From the east, take exit 6 on the Southern Tier Expressway (Route 86 /17) near the Village of Sherman; follow NY-76 south for 3.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto County Route 4 and follow this for 5 miles.
From the west, go to the village of French Creek, near the Peek 'n' Peak Resort and Conference Center; then follow County Route 4 north for 2 miles.
The preserve entrance is marked by a large wooden sign.
Clymer, NY 14724
(212) 997-1880
www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/french-creek-watershed-project/