In Chautauqua County, fall trumpets its arrival with crisp, cool afternoons and swaths of scarlet and yellow leaves that alight the woods in the western region of New York State Forest System. There is no better time for a hike Chautauqua park trails than autumn for taking in the NY fall foliage. And here among the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, visitors can traipse through fields and old-growth woods, stumbling upon gurgling streams, hidden waterfalls, or our majestic gorge--- all found within the county’s miles of well-kept trails. With some of the best hiking trails in NY, there’s something here for every hiker, whether you’re looking to make a day of it, or you just want to take a walk in our well-trod autumn paradise. See below for some suggestions, all with trails labeled moderate, although some segments of the longer trails may vary in difficulty.
Chautauqua Gorge
A short hike (1/4 mile) down a wooded trail brings you to the bottom of Chautauqua Gorge State Forest and Day-Use Area. You can also connect with one end of the Westside Overland Trail, a 24-mile Chautauqua County trail system between Mayville and Sherman.
Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail
Also a well-marked and beautifully maintained 24-mile trail, the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail (WOT) makes up the western side of the Chautauqau county trail system running from Mayville to Sherman. It’s a great trail for both day hikers and long-haul hikers who often take two days or more to traverse the trail from beginning to end. Lean-tos with water and picnic facilities are available. Suggested Segment: The trailhead that begins off Route 474 (which can be picked up from Route 394 in Lakewood and then heads west past Panama) can be hiked for a mile or two before turning around. This segment of the trail is lovely in autumn and great for families with pets and kids.
Dobbin's Woods Preserve
Maybe one of the county’s best-hidden gems, Dobbins’ Woods is a 100-acre Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy preserve with two types of forest habitats to explore. The trail makes a loop and is a lovely 45-minute walk through maples, birch and hemlocks and an expanse of wetlands that are covered with wooden walkways.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park
If you’re looking for a lovely hike but not a big commitment, Panama Rocks Scenic Park has a mile-long trail set within an ancient forest. And what makes it unique is a series of rock-forming crevices along the trail with interesting passageways and hidden caves. It’s kid-friendly, too, although you’ll need to keep an eye on younger children. You can spend an hour on the main trail--- or up to an entire day if you want to veer off the beaten path. And here’s a little secret: Bring a picnic lunch and spread out a blanket next to the barn and in the shade near the entrance. It’s a great way to relax after you’re done exploring. Admission is required, as is advance registration as occupancy is restricted for Fall 2020.
Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail
One of the county’s premier trails, the Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail (EOT) covers 19 miles starting in the town of Gerry and heading north to Arkwright, making up the eastern side of the county trail system. Serious hikers can traverse the whole trail, spending the night at Adirondack lean-tos, which feature latrines, fire pits, and tables. Day hikers can hike in a mile or two and then hike back or look for shorter segments of the trail on the map. The EOT boasts a variety of terrains, including woodlands and ponds.
Chautauqua County Rails to Trails
Twenty-seven miles of unused railroad corridors between Sherman and Brocton were turned into hiking paths, making this a popular choice for day hikers who can choose from segments that range from one to seven miles in length. The Chautauqua County Rails to Trails paths wind through wetlands, hardwood forests, vineyards, and picturesque countryside and offer the hiker plenty of opportunities to spy a diversity of plant and wildlife and more than 170 species of birds.
Segment Suggestion: Ideal for longer backpacking trips, the seven-mile Ralph C. Sheldon, Jr. Trail winds through beautiful woodlands and wetlands.
Note to hikers: Most of these trails operate on a “carry in-carry out” basis so please be mindful of your garbage. Segments of the trails wind through private property, whose owners have given permission for their property to be used for recreational purposes. Please be respectful of private lands.
A helpful hint: Request a FREE Chautauqua County Travel Guide & Map for help in planning your hiking trips. It includes a full-size map and trail indicators.
Author Margot Russell is a journalist and freelance writer. Her column “Lakewood Lens” appears in the Jamestown Post-Journal on Saturday. She is a script writer for the History Channel and an International Tour Director. She recently moved back to Chautauqua County and loves the rolling hills, food, trails and people of the area. She lives in Lakewood.