Hiking

Explore Some of the Best Hiking Trails in NY

Designated trails provide year-round opportunities for hiking. The Boutwell State Forest is home to hiking, snowshoe, groomed cross-country skiing, and mountain biking trails in addition to groomed snowmobile trails and dedicated horseback riding trails. Hike from the Pennsylvania border to Chautauqua Gorge State Forest on the 24-mile Westside Overland Trail system or explore hardwood forests along the 19-mile Eastside Overland Trail. Magnificent views atop Chautauqua County’s hills are not to be missed, especially the panoramic view of Lake Erie from the Luensman Overview Park. Erlandson Overview Park marks the highest accessible elevation point in the county, and on clear days it is possible to spot Chautauqua Lake from above. Journey the 17 miles of Rails to Trails, plan a visit to the Audubon Community Nature Center or stand in awe of giant 60-foot-tall rock formations at Panama Rocks Scenic Park. With endless miles to explore, you'll find some of the best hiking trails in NY in Chautauqua County. 

INTERACTIVE TRAILS MAP

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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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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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
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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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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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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SUP Erie Adventures
“Our mission is getting people outside and connecting to the natural environment through paddling, hiking, kiteboarding, and more” Whether you’re looking to try kiteboarding for the first time or eager to…
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