Hiking
Take a hike on the old logging roads that run through the state lands across the Enchanted Mountains. Twelve percent (or 99,500 acres) of the county is state and county lands; that gives hikers a large area to explore! Enjoy the trails at Griffis Sculpture Park as you discover sculptures that dot the hillsides! Hike the trails at Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville all year around. Rock City Park in Olean offers trails that lead you over, under, around and through the gigantic rocks.
View Hiking Trails
A great place to check out hiking trails is by using the Cattaraugus County's Interactive Trails Map or Interactive Outdoor Map.
View hiking trails on the Trails Viewer (Cattaraugus County Trail Map Viewer)
Allegany State Park
Allegany State Park has a lot of hiking trails ... a lot ... LIKE MANY miles for hiking in the woods and FOLLOWING butterflies, birds and other critters. Check out the hiking trails on the Interactive Trails Map or our Interactive Outdoor Map.
Download the Allegany State Park Visitors Map or request that we mail you one.
Pat McGee Trail
You can walk, hike, bike, snowmobile or ride horse on the Pat McGee Trail! This multi-purpose trail may grow to be a backbone of a county-wide system as it connects various municipalities from the Village of Cattaraugus to the City of Salamanca.
Check out the Pat McGee Trail on the Interactive Trails Map or our Interactive Outdoor Map.
Get more information on the Pat McGee trail.
Allegheny River Valley Trail
Hundreds of people use this trail that surrounds the City of Olean and the Village of Allegany every day! Get more information on the Allegheny River Valley Trail.
Check out the Allegheny River Valley Trail on the Interactive Trails Map or our Interactive Outdoor Map.
The Conservation Trail/Finger Lakes Trail - White Blazes
This hiking trail begins in Allegany State Park and runs to Fancy Tract, near Machias. This trail has strenuous climbs and elevations range from 1,300 to 2,300 feet.
Conservation Trail - Orange Blazes
This hiking trail runs north from the Conservation/Finger Lakes Trail junction to Cattaraugus Creek. This trail is moderately difficult with elevation ranging from 1,230 to 1,920 feet.
Finger Lakes Trail - White Blazes
This hiking trail continues east from the Conservation/Finger Lakes Trail junction to the County border. This trail is moderately difficult with a peak elevation of 2,078 feet. Information: Conservation Trail - This trail is unique in that for 55 miles from the Pennsylvania border to near Fancy Tract, it is used as the main Finger Lakes Trail. It moves north another 80 miles to Akron Falls Park. Get more information on the Finger Lakes Trail.
Finger Lakes Trail System
This systems consists of the Finger Lakes Trail beginning at the Pennsylvania border and runs 500 miles east to the Long Path in the Catskills. This trail is marked with white blazes on trees and posts, and identifier discs. This system also has 200 miles of branch trails. These are marked in the same manner except the color is orange. Side trails are marked in blue. Double blazes are used to mark turns or conditions of the trail. Get more information on the Finger Lakes Trail.
Boyce Hill State Forest/DEC Loop Trail
The Finger Lakes/North Country Trail goes directly through this small State Forest also, but there is a specific short loop that can be enjoyed. It is approximately 2.75 miles and offers many views of animals and has a beautiful pond to relax by. Easy day hike for any level of experience. See Boyce Hill State Forest map on New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation.
Geology Trail
"Rock out" at many places in Cattaraugus County along the Cattaraugus County Geology Trail.
Zoar Valley
Bordering Erie and Cattaraugus County, Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area encompasses approximately 2,939 acres of land commonly used for hiking. Be noted however, this can be a very dangerous place with large drop offs, vast wilderness, and sweeping currents. You will however, find hours and hours of hiking to enjoy. Deer Lick Conservation Area is a specific part of Zoar Valley and used very commonly for hikers. See map.
For more information on Zoar Valley please go to www.dec.ny.gov/lands/36931.html.
Not into Hiking?
If you prefer to walk on paved or well-packed trails then we recommend checking out our walking section.
Experiences
Venture on an unguided walk through the trails at Griffis Sculpture Park as they are illuminated with colorful and theatrical lighting, creating a truly unique experie
Zoar Valley - Valentine Flats
Whitetail Country Sports World, Inc.
Warm Weather Fun!
The start of all of your Spring and Summer Fun is upon us!
Two Locations in Cattaraugus County named in Top 10 Hidden Hidden Gems of WNY 2011
In 2011, an article written by Christine A. Smyczynski for the Member Connection, the magazine for AAA Members, two of the treasures of the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County have been named in the top 10 Hidden Gems in Western New York by AAA.
Thunder Rocks at Allegany State Park
The Centennial 7 Hiking Challenge at Allegany State Park
Allegany State Park, the Wilderness Playground of Western New York, officially opened on July 30th, 1921. One hundred years later, people are still flocking to this vast park with rolling hills, serene lakes, and abundant beauty.
Spring Openings 2024
Enjoy the fresh air and wide open spaces that the Enchanted Mountains has to offer with these spring openings!
Hike the trails at Griffis Sculpture Park, that's located on 450 acres, to discover 250+ steel sculp
Spring Openings 2023
Enjoy the fresh air and wide open spaces that the Enchanted Mountains has to offer with these spring openings!
Located on 12,000 acres of the Allegheny Reservoir, Onoville Marina Park is one of our best kept secrets. Camp, boat, o
Spring into Adventure 2024
It's spring in the Enchanted Mountains, which means... our days get longer, flowers are blooming, and the warmer weather allows us to spend more time enjoying the outdoors! Here's a list of ways you can be active and enjoy spring in the Enchanted Mountains.
Spring into Adventure 2023
It's spring in the Enchanted Mountains, which means... our days get longer, flowers are blooming, and the warmer weather allows us to spend more time enjoying the outdoors! Here's a list of ways you can be active and enjoy spring in the Enchanted Mountains.
Shamrock Pines Campground
Scoby Dam and Route 219
Rock City Park
Pfeiffer Nature Center's Trail Sale
Pfeiffer Nature Center's Eshelman Tract
Pat McGee Trail Map
Pat McGee Trail
You can hike, bike, ride a snowmobile or ride horse on the Pat McGee Trail. This mile multi-purpose 12.2 trail will grow to be a county-wide system but at this time it connects 7 municipalities together (from the Village of Cattaraugus to the City of Salamanca).