This area is home to some of the tallest trees of their kind. Robert H. Treman State Park (Tompkins County). [27][28] In 2015, Cattaraugus Creek was stocked with 30,000 steelhead and 7,840 brown trout;[29] an additional 1,030 brown trout were stocked in the creek's South Branch that year as well. [2]:4 For a time in the 1960s, a hippie commune was located within the valley. This state park has the perfect way to beat the heat, a natural swimming beach with shallow water and places to relax in the warm sand. Share your experiences in the comments! Zoar Valley MUA/UA is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. Please sign in and out of all trail registers that you encounter - for groups only one person should sign in. The management goals are to provide recreational opportunities and, to maintain a healthy forest and ecosystem. This section of Cattaraugus Creek flows through private ownerships, so one must stay within their vessel. Cool off and explore the crystal clear waters at this must-see state park. However, the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area is beautiful at any time of year. Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users. What are some of your favorite, legally accessible swimming holes in the area? What are the best times of year to visit Zoar Valley? Have you visited this scenic area? The rapids in the gorge range from Class 2 through Class 4, depending on water level. A woman - who was near the area where the teen fell - told The Sun how the terrain could be dangerous for inexperienced hikers. Of course, any time you are exploring a natural swimming hole, tread carefully as youre taking a bit of a risk. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Canyon depths within the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area are the greatest within the entire Cattaraugus Creek corridor, ranging up to 380 feet (120m) along the South Branch and 480 feet (150m) along the Main Branch. Here are some of our favorites to check out throughout Upstate New York. Since, it takes considerable time to hike in and out of the gorge on the Valentine Flats Trail, please plan your trip to allow enough daylight hours to make the hike safely. If someone should come to rescue you, be guided by two major principles. New regulations have been adopted, which may catch some users by surprise. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The wildlife to watch includes broad-winged hawks, American kestrels, red-bellied woodpeckers, woodchucks, fox, midland painted turtles, and red-spotted newts. Q: Are there trash bins in the valley? Although not a sizable swimming hole compared to the others, its an easy walk. Upstate New York. Valle delle cascate. Cookie Notice This is a popular spot, and even though it was cool and cloudy during our visit, the parking lot was full. Pull on your water shoes and explore the creek by walking in the water and taking a dip when you make it to each of their two beautiful waterfalls. Can I go anywhere I want? The only safe access to the creek is from the Forty Road parking lot in the Town of Persia and the Valentine's Flats parking area, also in the Town of Persia. Can my dog be off leash? A favorite spot among local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Zoar Valley is known for the spectacular scenery created by its deep gorge, sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls and dense forests. 144k followers . Day Trips. Please note that property specific regulations prohibit visitors from proceeding upstream, either by land or water, in the area beginning at the abandoned Forty Road bridge abutments, and extending upstream on the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek to the state land boundary line, except for licensed anglers for the purpose of fishing. Welcome to Letchworth Valley Campground & Resort! Orchard Park Ny. DEC monitors the area by aerial survey annually in order to confirm nest locations. Hikers must stay on the marked trail, away from the edge of the gorge. You may call DEC staff at (716) 372-0645 and they can answer your questions or direct you to someone who can. Follow the stream into the woods a short distance to view Little 4-D Falls. Courtesy of Ocean Properties, Ltd. For my first trip after everything shut down, we wanted something within New York, but also felt tropical. 438 followers. Please note that by town ordinance, parking on the south side of Valentine Flats Road is not permitted. Pro tip: Bring a change of dry clothes with you to hike back in. bob yates. The trail drops down from the road steadily through a mixed hemlock/hardwood forest and around ponds before looping back up to the road. Those not brave enough for that will find other cliffs not nearly as high. cbobcat49 Moderator . It was first known as Swampfield, a name which is now honored by Swampfield Road, but the name was . The Cattaraugus Creek and the South Branch are both trout streams, with steelhead. Approximately 343 acres (1.39km2) of plantation forests were established within the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area during the 1960s and 1970s. REMINDER: The only safe gorge and creek access at this site is from the Valentine Flats Trail and Forty Road parking lot in the Town of Persia. During the spring many white water raft while during the summer some visit here to sunbathe, swim and fish. The Unique Area is comprised of the gorge and a buffer area along the rim of the gorge. On drier, south-facing slopes, old-growth trees such as chestnut oak display stunted growth despite their age. Swimmers made the best of diving boards at Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca, NY when temperatures reached 90 degrees Friday , June 28, 2019. Valentine Flats Trail and other access points at Forty Road as well as the Holcomb Pond and Ross Pond areas, will remain open to visitors. Moderators: Brenda, . Buttermilk falls Zoar Valley. Zoar Valley is an area of deep gorges along the Main and South branches of Cattaraugus Creek in western New York, United States. Once you cross the creek you will have to bushwhack your way the base of Bare Buns Falls as there is no well defined trail. State: New York State Region: Western Region County: Erie County. The Spring Rafting Season in Zoar Valley opens in March with the spring runoff and lasts until late May or early June as the water level becomes too low. Two small waterfalls drop into this natural pool, creating yet another beautiful site in the Adirondacks for swimming and cliff jumping. Zoar Valley Located at the base of waterfalls where the Cattaraugus Creek and Genesee River meet, Zoar Valley is a popular summer spot in Western New York, as it's just an hour drive from. The Wonders. A: Sunset is a specific time of day. [2]:4, The Niagara, Lockport and Ontario Power Company purchased property near the confluence in 1926, with the intention of building a hydroelectric dam in the valley. Along the Boquet River within the Hammond Pond Wild Forest is a refreshing natural pool with a tall waterfall. The unidentified teen took a fatal plunge off a steep ledge at Zoar Valley in western New York on Saturday, according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriffs Office. In Access, Zoar. Timber harvests are one of the tools used to meet this management objective. ", Teen shot for visiting wrong door went to 3 homes before someone helped him, Cops deny teen left fighting for life was hazed at house party as two arrested, US holds worlds BIGGEST elephant walk with planes and airmen in show of force, I wore a bra as a top to Coachella - people say it's the best outfit ever', 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, A teen girl took a fatal plunge off a steep ledge in Zoar Valley on Saturday, Terrifying moment a teenager, 15, plummets 20 metres down a cliff while trying to get a better look at a herd of GOATS, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The gorge walls are over 400 foot high, very steep, and composed of erodible and unstable shale rock. Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area Length: 4.0 mi Est. First Visit: 04-13-2014. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times. [21] Most are cascades, but there are a few straight drops of greater than 100 feet (30m). The Sagamore resort hotel in Bolton Landing, NY, near Lake George. Use caution when hiking in the area and do not enter private property without permission. The wildlife is best viewed from trails and the viewing platform near the Forty Road parking area. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com SYR. The Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area stretches 3,014 acres across western New York state, known for its "spectacular scenery created by its deep gorge, sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and dense . The wildlife is best viewed from trails and the viewing platform near the Forty Road parking area. Zoar Valley New York Share Contact Us Phone: 212-997-1880 Email: natureny@tnc.org Follow Find forests, streams and cliffs in this steep-walled valley. Safe travels! Q: Can I camp in Zoar? The Sagamore in Lake George was absolutely perfect and allowed access to the lake, with free inner tubes to use in the water. Treman State Park still has a full swimming hole but the falls are very dry, Ithaca, N.Y., Friday Aug 5, 2016. The so-called . Q: Is Zoar Valley all public land? If youre just looking to cool off, not necessarily swim, these shallow waters are for you. Expect a crowd on a warm summer day, but also expect a fun time. The cliffs along Zoar Valley's gorges are composed of Devonian silt stones and shale, and are part of the Canadaway Formation. Flickr. Zoar Valley's old growth is primarily deciduous, and varies in character and species composition depending upon location and landform characteristics. January 12, 2022. Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. The area is known for occasional deaths, injuries and rescues, often for visitors unfamiliar with the dangers of the rugged landscape. Often visitors are unprepared (no light, no map, no first aid kit, no food, no water, and poor foot gear) and do not understand that darkness comes quickly in the gorge. It makes for a fantastic day outing, and best of all, theres a few swimming holes to cool off in! The wildlife to watch includes broad-winged hawks, American kestrels, red-bellied woodpeckers, woodchucks, fox, midland painted turtles, and red-spotted newts. Enjoy the crisp cool, water on a hot day and the sounds of the rushing waterfall. Take a dip in Cayuga Lake in their beach area. With that in mind, be aware of your space and where you are going. Jump right into the beautiful water next to the lower falls in Robert H. Treman State Park. The universally accessible trail runs from the parking area to a scenic overlook platform where the road once crossed the creek. The Zoar Valley State Multiple Use Area (MUA) is a 2927 acre state owned multi use area located in the Town of Otto, Cattaraugus County. The state-managed Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area encompasses a 3,014-acre (12.20km2) area[6] along an eight-mile (13km) section of the Cattaraugus Creek's Main Branch canyon and a three-mile (5km) stretch of the smaller South Branch, centered around the confluence of the two streams. The tallest basswood tree in the world (128 feet) hides in Zoar, as well as the second tallest tree in all of New York Statea 156-foot tulip. Furthermore, if the property owner or an agent of the property owner informs you verbally that you are trespassing, and you remain on the property, you could face arrest. A: Even members of these organizations are prohibited from traveling in some areas of the gorge, unless it is part of an organized nature walk. ? Turn left and follow it downstream. [11] There are also several bottomland groves of large and aging eastern cottonwood, American sycamore, and American elm which are likely remnants of earlier floodplain stands. Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. This year at Zoar Valley the DEC will: Zoar Valley Multi-Use Area is a popular summer destination for Western New Yorkers looking for an outdoor excursion! Many of the upland old fields have been planted with conifers and high value hardwood trees. This page is available in other languages, Zoar Valley Multiple Use and Unique Area Map (GeoPDF), Zoar Valley MUA/UA Frequently Asked Questions, public fishing rights on Cattaraugus Creek (PDF), General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, General information on watchable wildlife, General information on accessible recreation, draft Niagara Frontier Unit Management Plan (PDF). Q: What are Zoar Valley's hours of operation? The protected area is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and is open to the public for fishing, hunting, hiking, white-water rafting, and wildlife and scenic viewing. The entire Agers Falls Recreational Area in the North Country is worth exploring, but you can't miss taking a leap near the main waterfall. Since it takes considerable time to hike in and out of the gorge, please plan for enough daylight hours to make the hike safely. As we've said before, please note: Personal responsibility is key when swimming in these locations: Be safe, practice caution, and if anything, leave the areas a little better than you found them (be sure to carry out any trash you might create). As in other public parks and recreation areas, choosing to be publicly nude could result in tickets or fines. [31] The take out is located downstream of the Aldrich Street bridge in Gowanda. Kick back, relax and enjoy the natural lazy river. There is no safe gorge or creek access from any location in Erie County or from any location in the Town of Otto, Cattaraugus County. [6] The Unique Area contains the majority of the currently known or suspected old-growth forest,[6] all of the riverside floodplain and terrace woodlands, as well as all of the slope, cliff and talus plant communities. Many visitors frequent the area to hike and enjoy its system of trails, but the area also poses potential risks. The Western New York Access Coalition, in conjunction with the Access Fund, has been working with one of the DEC regional foresters for the Zoar Valley Multiple Use and Unique. The magnificent Zoar Valley begins below Hammond Hill Road bridge. The stream is mostly floatable above 2.0 feet, can get sticky in some drops around 2.5 and will require moderate skill levels. If youre looking for awesome New York swimming holes, look no further than Zoar Valley. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides. Certain sections of the gorge can be seen from several remote vantage points, but by far, the best view can be had from the river far below. Lori Good. Perhaps with a lower annual death toll? You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Zoar Valley is a 2,978-acre river valley in Western New York. Adrenaline junkies can even be seen cliff jumping over 20 feet into a natural pool, but again, do so with caution. By Nick Canedo | ncanedo@newyorkupstate.com. Google Maps Bring your bathing suit and head to Zoar Valley on Gowanda Zoar Road in Cattaraugus. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. [23], Zoar Valley is a popular regional destination for outdoor recreation. Waterfalls. Zoar Valley (Erie and Cattaraugus County). Hikers can sometimes be seen cooling off in the natural pools, but do so with caution. A short distance past an old abutment for the Forty Road bridge over the South Branch watch for a small tributary stream to your left. Q: Can I walk in the creek without being charged with trespassing? Waterfalls of Zoar Valley Trail is a 4.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Gowanda, New York that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The Multiple Use Area and Unique Area are public lands under the management of DEC Division of Lands and Forests. Places Ive Been . A husband and wife in their early 30s took a fatal fall off a Zoar Valley cliff in 2017, but their two young sons survived. The crisp blue waters are so inviting after a long hike! The Valentine Flats Trail is a steep trail into the gorge area ending at the confluence of the South Branch and Main Branch of Cattaraugus Creek. Ithaca, New York is easy to find and you can't go wrong by visiting the town's many gorges and waterfalls. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Above 3.0, extensive experience in a white water kayak is very strongly recommended. The MUA contains hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs and swift water. Shanty Brook is a bit of a hike to get to, but beautiful nonetheless with a gorgeous waterfall to take in within the Sacandaga River in the Adirondacks. The parking area is at the end of Taylor road. Including the parks that house them and the hikes to get to them. Return to Home Page of WNYWS, Waterfalls You Can Visit In Cattaraugus County. Who was there describes the place as a small paradise in the countryside. This lot provides easy access to the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek and offers a short, universally accessible trail leading from the parking area to a scenic overlook at the old bridge abutment. This geological wonder has 400-foot cliffs, bald eagles, numerous waterfalls, and the second largest concentration of old . [4], The extent of Zoar Valley's use by Native Americans is unclear due to subsequent disturbance by farming and settlement activities; however, findings from nearby archaeological sites suggest that indigenous peoples likely made use of the area. Bluff Island, located on Lower Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, features a daunting 70-foot cliff. Choose your crossing spot carefully, avoiding swift moving water and being mindful of loose and slippery rocks. 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