Cattaraugus County: Gorges, Rock Formations, and Hiking Trails

Cattaraugus County is known as the “Enchanted Mountains”; rolling foothills of the Appalachians are part of its landscape. Steep shale cliffs, rock formations, and extensive hiking opportunities showcase different aspects of nature. Nature programs, local products, and opportunities for family research also give your trip some concrete points of interest. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, it helps to first decide which outings you’d like to include in your plans.

Gorges and distinctive rock formations

Zoar Valley Gorge features steep shale cliffs that rise more than 400 feet above the creek below. The rock walls and the creek far beneath them define the character of this landscape.

Rock City Park offers another geological highlight: it is home to the world’s largest exposure of quartz conglomerate. Alongside the gorge landscape, this distinctive rock formation offers a natural attraction in its own right.

Hiking trails, forests, and nature programs

The approximately one-mile-long Valentine Flats Trail descends through the gorge to the confluence of the main and south branches of Cattaraugus Creek. Conditions and access rules can change; check them before setting out. At The Nature Conservancy property in the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek area, hiking on the gorge floor is prohibited. The preserve is in Cattaraugus County; check the access information again before your visit.

Allegany State Park covers more than 65,000 acres and offers 18 hiking trails, including three self-guided nature trails. At Pfeiffer Nature Center, trails cover six miles of marked footpaths through various forest types, including coniferous and mixed hardwood forests. The center’s property also includes 20 acres of rare old-growth forest. The highlights differ: Allegany State Park stands out for its number of trails and nature trails, while Pfeiffer Nature Center is notable for its trail length and forest types.

Pfeiffer Nature Center offers nature programs, workshops, and other events about science, nature, and art throughout the year. If you’d like to include an event in your travel plans, check the schedule in advance.

Ospreys nest on pilings along West Perimeter Road at Onoville Marina Park. The park has 91 miles of undeveloped shoreline with secluded coves. This location brings together a specific nesting site along a named road and an expansive shoreline as distinct nature highlights.

Local products and getting around

Amish Trail businesses sell their products from their homes; the Amish Trail map can help you find them. Most of New York’s Amish Trail lies in the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County. The map provides a practical way to locate businesses when planning local visits.

The Cattaraugus County Historical Museum has a research area where you can look up information about ancestors from Cattaraugus County. This may be especially interesting if you’d like to explore your family history during your trip.

Cattaraugus County offers an interactive map of its hiking trails. The county’s Trail Mapping and Signage Project was completed in 2024, resulting in a new web map application and a signage system for local trail organizations. You can use the map to plan hikes and check the access information for each location before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Chautauqua, Salamanca, Ellicottville, Yorkshire, Allegany, Franklinville, Washington County, Tompkins.

For the main travel overview: New York.