Chautauqua County is home to an expansive and diverse network of multi-use trails and scenic parks. Perfect for hiking, geocaching and mountain biking during the warmer months and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking during the winter, these trails pass through wooded forests, wetlands, wildflower fields, and creek beds. Many areas provide prime locations to view wildlife and migratory birds in their natural habitat. Educational events and tours are held year-round at several trails and parks. For more information, visit the TourChautauqua Event Calendar.
Audubon Community Nature Center – The Audubon Community Nature Center has more than five miles of beautifully maintained trails with observation towers and a handicap accessible overlook. The trails are open free of charge year-round from dawn to dusk for easy hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The 600-acre wetland preserve includes a native tree arboretum and several gardens. The three-story nature building houses a collection of live animals plus interactive displays and a gift shop. One of the most visited exhibits is Liberty, a non-releasable Bald Eagle housed in her outdoor habitat. Trails: Free access daily. Nature Center: $6 adults, free for children 15 and under, free for all on Sunday.
Boutwell Hill State Forest – Totaling 2,944 acres, Boutwell Hill State Forest is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrian riders and hunters during designated seasons. The Eastside Overland Trail traverses 8.5 miles of Boutwell Hill State Forest. There are 6.2 miles of dedicated equestrian trails (Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System) snowmobile trails in the forest as well as groomed cross-country skiing trails maintained by the Boutwell Hill Ski Club.
Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System - The trails are open from June 1st to September 30th. Volunteers have upgraded over 20 miles of trail in the Towns of Charlotte, Cherry Creek, and the Village of Cherry Creek over the past five years. The trail runs along existing pathways and new connections that extend from the northwestern Corner of Boutwell Hill State Forest to the peaks of the Cockaigne Ski Resort in the south, and over to the Village of Cherry Creek with many privately developed trails in between which are accessible to the public.
Chautauqua Rails to Trails – Beautiful abandoned rail corridors have been converted into safe off-road trails for recreational use such as walking, running, hiking, biking, bird watching (over 170 species identified), horseback riding and cross-country skiing. These trails, which havea combined trail lineage of about 16 miles, provide access through scenic woodlands, wetlands and flowering meadows.
Dobbins Woods Preserve - A winding pathway surrounded by 100 acres of trees and wetland, Dobbins Wood Preserve (maintained by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy) is a tiny but mystical spot that’s largely camouflaged from outside life, offering runners, hikers, and cross-country skiers a short burst of seclusion among the most native of habitats. While driving up Bly Hill Road, keep an eye out for the subtle entrance to this wooded preserve, which sits gracefully on a Chautauqua Lake ridgetop. The site itself, by way of a fifteen-minute jog or a slow-paced, 45-minute walk, weaves visitors around two distinct forest habitats and through an abundance of wildflowers.
Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail – The eastern section of the county trail systems covers 19 miles from Gerry, north to the Town of Arkwright. Hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and camping at the lean-tos are popular uses. This trail passes over NYS Reforestation areas, the Canadaway Creek Wildlife Management Area, Chautauqua County lands and private property. Without the cooperation of private landowners, this trail would not be possible. Use the trail with respect and be particularly careful while on private lands. Please note that hunting occurs during designated seasons near this trail.
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 park offers a 1.5-mile loop trail as well as two viewing platforms, a covered picnic pavilion, and toilet facility.
Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail – The western section of the county trail system covers 24 miles from Mayville to Sherman. Great for hiking, mountain biking or cross-country skiing. There are camping lean-tos available. The trail passes over NYS Reforestation areas, Chautauqua County land, private land, dedicated equestrian and snowmobile trails. Without the cooperation of private landowners, this trail would not be possible. Use the trail with respect and be particularly careful while on private lands. Please note that hunting occurs during designated seasons near this trail.
Jamestown Riverwalk - A 5-mile urban trail system that follows the Chadakoin River through Downtown Jamestown, perfect for walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading. The Jamestown Riverwalk connects with several municipal parks including Chadakoin Park, Comedy Park, and McCrea Point Park and Boat Launch.
Leolyn Woods and Fairy Trail at Lily Dale Assembly - From June 21 to September 1, 2020, discover the Fairy Trail, which is marked by pink fairies on the trees, visitors can keep their eyes open for fairy houses, gnome houses and small villages located along the trail. The Fairy Trail shares part of the hiking trail for the Woodland Heritage, winding through the woods and offering a year-round way to enjoy the area's natural beauty. Some of the largest and oldest trees in Chautauqua County can be appreciated here, in the Leolyn Woods. This trail is a loving work in progress. Visitors and residents alike build and contribute their fanciful creations for Lily Dale’s tiniest residents. Normal admission fees apply.
Lake Erie State Park – High bluffs overlooking Lake Erie provide breathtaking views for the visitor to Lake Erie State Park. Walk along three-quarters of a mile of shoreline or explore the nearby hiking trails, which are accessible year-round. When visiting between 9am-5pm 5/20-9/5, a $6 per vehicle fee may be collected, $7 on days when swimming is available. Fees may be collected on weekends and holidays through 10/9.
Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua – Located on Chautauqua Lake, this 320-acre day-use park has around 7 miles of trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking during the warm months. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and on designated trails only - snowmobile use. In addition, there is a swimming beach and bathhouse, picnic-pavilions, a public boat launch and a marina with a restaurant and marine shop. Long Point, which juts peninsula-like into Chautauqua Lake, is one of the moraines left long ago by a retreating glacier. Kid-friendly hikes and nature programs take place at the park throughout the park regularly.
Luensman Overview Park – A 70-acre overlook located at the top of the Lake Erie escarpment. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets, an incredible view of Lake Erie, villages along the north shore, and on clear days the Canadian south shore and downtown Buffalo are visible. A one mile, easy grade trail through the woods is perfect for a family outing. Open mid-May through November 1st from 8:30am to dusk.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park – Explore a half-mile long ridge of rocks reaching up to 60 feet in height! Go off the mile-long, easy grade trail and explore the countless passageways, caves, and crevices. Learn about the geology, the environment and local history with their informational signs and an educational treasure hunt – fun for kids of all age. Picnic tables are available. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry, no pets. Open 10am-5pm from early May through October. General Admission: $8. Children 6-12: $5.50. Children 5 & Under: Free.
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History – Marvel at the unforgettable building dedicated to the lifework of the world-famous naturalist, and Jamestown, NY native, Roger Tory Peterson. Nature trails cross 27 acres of native forest habitat. We recommend stepping inside RTPI to browse the collection of Roger’s awe-inspiring creations as well as the visiting artist exhibit. Nature classes, lectures, and special events are held throughout the year.
Stockton State Forest – Stockton State Forest totals 977 acres. There are no designated hiking trails but hiking is allowed throughout the property, except for areas with active logging operations. There is a snowmobile trail (maintained by the Ellery Sno-Cruisers) and gas well access roads that run through the property that can be used. One of the access roads, called Blackman Forest Road, is popular for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding.
To help you further navigate Chautauqua County’s trails and road, please visit our page dedicated to Maps & Guides.
*Please be advised that hunting may occur near or on some trails during designated seasons. Please visit the DEC’s website for more information. Also, remember to use bug repellent and wear clothing that will cover extremities, especially while in the woods as the tick population is having a "banner year." Ticks and other insects can carry disease.