With that in mind, be aware of your space and where you are going. Purchase a trail supporter patch to provide funding for maintenance of trails and associated facilities. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Answer: The Forty Road parking area provides easy access to the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek and features a short, universally accessible trail to a scenic overlook. Use extreme caution and cross with a friend using each other for support. Southstowns Scanner revealed on Saturday evening that rescue teams were called to Valentine Flats to rescue a female who fell about 100 feet. The valley is located along the border of Erie County and Cattaraugus County, roughly between the villages of Gowanda to the west and Springville to the east. During summer storm events, especially after a prolonged dry period, bacterial levels can exceed 10,000 colony forming units (cfu); bacterial levels are low most other times. Although not a sizable swimming hole compared to the others, its an easy walk. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times. It is a ribbon cascade being 120 feet high with a 6 foot wide crest. In around 0.7 of a mile you will reach the confluence of the South Branch and the Cattaraugus. There are waterfalls, hiking trails, beautiful rock formations, and great places to relax 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. As you drive down into the valley on Forty Road you will pass Forty Road Falls to your right. Choose your crossing spot carefully, avoiding swift moving water and being mindful of loose and slippery rocks. The Cattaraugus creek creates a gorge with cliffs up to 500 feet high. I've lived in New York state my entire life, most of it in Central New York. These slope woodlands present an impressive and ancient aesthetic, but few stands can be visited directly as most slopes are too dangerous to traverse. All rights reserved (About Us). 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visitors are urged to follow marked trails. The MUA contains hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs and swift water. You can find it in the newspaper, on television, or in the link to Sunrise Sunset Calendar in the top right corner. 10 fun swimming holes in Upstate NY to make a splash. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to your vehicle well before dark. Along the Boquet River within the Hammond Pond Wild Forest is a refreshing natural pool with a tall waterfall. Put in at the upstream side of Hammond Hill Road Bridge at and take out on the left descending bank just upstream of the North Otto Road Bridge. But I've traveled . From Ross's Falls return to the Cattaraugus. Zoar valley has a swimming hole randomly in the creek, it's a super deep random drop off about a 5 minute walk back from the main area with the cliffs everyone congregates. [22] These streams and the Cattaraugus Creek were extensively disturbed by an intense flash flood in August 2009. The use of alcohol and drugs are another major contributor of search and rescue missions in the area. The Zoar Valley Unique Area was created by an act of the Legislature in 2007, "in order to protect its unique gorge and ledges, tributary gorges and riverside terraces and associated matrix forest of the main and south branches of the Cattaraugus Creek." . Forest Rangers and other law enforcement officers that patrol these public lands receive inquiries about its use and what is legal. The valley is located along the border of Erie County and Cattaraugus County, roughly between the villages of Gowanda to the west and Springville to the east. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Located in Erie County Bare Bunns Falls is 140 feet high with a 6 foot wide crest. Rock formations make for prime jumping off points into this swimming hole in the Catskills, located just north of Kerhonkson. All users of Zoar Valley MUA must follow all State Forest Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource. 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. Are Zoar Valley's swimming holes good for people of all ages? She is passionate about animal rescue, particularly fixing stray cats. White water rafting is popular on the Cattaraugus Creek, along with hiking, exploring, photography . Zoar Valley is a roughly 11 mile long canyon eroded by the the Main and South Branches of Cattaraugus Creek. On a warm summer day you might catch swimmers jumping from the top of the waterfalls. All rights reserved (About Us). You'll receive your first newsletter soon! [30] Additional fishing opportunities within the Multiple Use Area are available at Holcomb Pond and Ross Pond. Zoar Valley is just all sorts of crazy, the gorge walls are super tall and steep, making it extremely dangerous for people that try to move down them. An eastern hemlock of only 16 inches (41cm) DBH has been core dated to 410 years at breast height and may be 450 to 500 years at ground level. "The Valentines Flats overlook is relatively safe as long as you stay away from the edge. Similar stands are found on the raised terraces within the canyon, where old-growth trees have been noted to achieve great size, both in terms of height and diameter (typically expressed as diameter at breast height [DBH], a standard measurement taken 4.5 feet [1.4m] above the tree's base). The name is of biblical origin, referring to the city of Zoar from the Book of Genesis. If the lot is full, and you park where prohibited by sign, or park illegally in the accessible spaces reserved for people with disabilities, you could be ticketed. This is a major cause of search and rescue missions. A woman - who was near the area where the teen fell - told The Sun how the terrain could be dangerous for inexperienced hikers. 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. If youre looking for options with lifeguards on duty, this is a good one for you! Railroad Tracks. These are some of the best swimming holes in New York. Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. From Lower Deer Lick Falls head back towards the parking lot walking along the creek bank. For more information about the area and swimming holes, Remember to be aware of local weather conditions and careful where you step: wet rocks can be quite slippery, 6 Lazy Rivers In New York That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summers Day, Theres Nothing Better Than The Waterfront Lakeshore Winery On A Warm New York Day, New Yorks Most Refreshing Hike Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole, Enjoy Cool, Crisp Water At This High Elevation Lake In New York, Lake George Village, New York Is One Of The Best Towns In America To Visit When The Weather Is Warm, This New York Waterfront Boutique Hotel Built In 1917 Offers A Lakeside Sanctuary To Guests, This New York Road Trip Takes You From The Finger Lakes Up To The Adirondacks, The 2-Hour Road Trip Around The Seneca Lake Wine Trail Is A Glorious Spring Adventure In New York. Anywhere within a 2 hour drive, and a short hike (within a mile) would be amazing. The wildlife is best viewed from trails and the viewing platform near the Forty Road parking area. Avoiding the swift moving water and be mindful of loose and slippery rocks underfoot. [6], Anglers primarily target steelhead between September and May, and brown trout between September and December, at which time these fish enter the stream to complete their annual spawning runs. The Zoar Valley MUA is composed of three parcels of land including an area located along the Cattaraugus Creek Gorge, a 5 acre Cattaraugus Creek Waterway Access, and a 387 acre detached parcel. During the spring many white water raft while during the summer some visit here to sunbathe, swim and fish. You can walk around most of them, unless the river is running too high. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The trail winds down into the gorge through the hemlock/hardwood forest for about 0.8 miles. Follow the stream into the woods a short distance to view Little 4-D Falls. The mystique of swimming holes make them a popular and sometimes elusive attraction. Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area Length: 4.0 mi Est. The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office says Connor Long, 20, from Boston died after falling more than 70 feet from a waterfall in Zoar Valley. [6], As the area is not officially a park, there are few safety barriers in place to prevent falls into the gorge. Overview Visit Overview Description Long ago, Cattaraugus Creek carved the Zoar Valley gorge through uplifting shale formations. [9] The river within the Main Branch canyon is bordered by a riparian zone that is sufficiently large to include landforms ranging from young floodplains recently colonized by woody pioneer species to centuries-old upper terraces containing continuous stands of large old-growth trees. Due to private land upstream, hikers entering from the Forty Road parking area are only permitted to proceed downstream. Continue around the bend following the Cattaraugus upstream. Adrenaline junkies can even be seen cliff jumping over 20 feet into a natural pool, but again, do so with caution. "Zoar Valley MUA is known for the spectacular scenery created by its deep gorge, sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and dense forests. You can send me e-mail at:falzguy@verizon.net Located within the Wintergreen Park in Canajoharie, west of the Capital Region and south of the Adirondacks, this spot is also called Wintergreen Falls. 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. Remember, any search and rescue incident puts both professionals (Forest Rangers, State Police and County Sheriff's Dept) and volunteers (local fire departments and ambulance services) at risk. Hotels near Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area: (3.12 mi) Pine Acres Campground (3.36 mi) Palm Gardens Motel (7.45 mi) Burdick Blueberry Farm Guest House (8.72 mi) Creekside Escape-Sleeps up-to 19 (8.70 mi) Covered Deck with Tub on 200 acres; 10 min from Ellicottville / Holiday Valley; View all hotels near Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area on Tripadvisor Canoeing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities in Zoar Valley. Outside of these protected areas, old-growth forests in the valley are unprotected, and some have been clearcut in recent years. Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. While the valley is an extremely scenic area it can also be extremely dangerous, with cliffs over 300 feet high and swift flowing water. The public land upstream from the Forty Road parking lot adjacent to the Deerlick Nature Preserve on the South Branch of the Cattaraugus Creek is also restricted to access. January 12, 2022. Cliff jumping is one of the most adventurous ways to make your summer memorable. At sunset, visitors should be in their vehicles headed home and off of the state property. Zoar valley is a mysterious place, where there is an abundance of weird happenings and Ghost stories emanate from. Moderators: Brenda, . See the Zoar Valley Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to some common questions about the property. Experience Tent, Cabin & RV Camping. New York. Zoar Valley is a roughly 11 mile long canyon eroded by the the Main and South Branches of Cattaraugus Creek. Buttermilk falls Zoar Valley. The Sagamore resort hotel in Bolton Landing, NY, near Lake George. Visitors should refer to the map (links located at the top of this webpage). [2]:4. The Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area is a 3,000-acre conservation area managed by the state. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 2 scenic trails in the Gowanda area. The Forty Road parking area is located at the end of Forty Road in the Town of Persia, Cattaraugus County. 16-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling Off 'Steep Ledge' at New York's Zoar Valley The nature preserve is known for its "hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs and swift water" Return to the South Branch and head downstream. On drier, south-facing slopes, old-growth trees such as chestnut oak display stunted growth despite their age. Anglers may proceed upstream on the South Branch from Forty Road parking area, but should only travel as far as the state boundary. [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. 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 . [24] The Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area is open to the public for activities including fishing, hunting, hiking, white-water rafting, and nature study. DEC releases farm raised ring neck pheasant birds at two sites in the unit. Zoar Valley is an area of deep gorges along the Main and South branches of Cattaraugus Creek in western New York, United States. 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. DEC also holds public fishing rights on Cattaraugus Creek (PDF) downstream from Zoar Valley MUA. However, you can find camping nearby in several places including in East Otto State Forest. People can often be seen floating in inner tubes there, soaking up some sun. Species diversity along the canyon bottom is among the highest in the Northeastern United States, with more than 20 species occurring in upper-terrace old growth and approximately 10 more largely restricted to younger floodplains and/or lower terraces. 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. The gorge walls are over 400 foot high, very steep, and composed of erodible and unstable shale rock. This is primarily a nudist area, so do be prepared to see naked people. To return to your vehicle follow the South Branch of the Cattaraugus upstream, retracing your steps. Use caution when hiking in the area and do not enter private property without permission. Safe travels! Please keep in mind that families frequently visit Zoar Valley. It makes for a fantastic day outing, and best of all, theres a few swimming holes to cool off in! [2]:20 An American chestnut plantation is also maintained as a joint venture with the American Chestnut Foundation,[2]:7 with the goal of developing chestnut blight-resistant trees. For reference, the copper portion of the Statue of Liberty is 151 feet tall. In the area of Mistretta, a small town in the Nebrodi Park, in the province of Messina. Each year the area is used by thousands of visitors. A 16-YEAR old girl fell to her death in Cattaraugus County, New York over the weekend. The wildlife to watch includes broad-winged hawks, American kestrels, red-bellied woodpeckers, woodchucks, fox, midland painted turtles, and red-spotted newts. Welcome to Letchworth Valley Campground & Resort! Timber harvests are one of the tools used to meet this management objective. Note that the rules and regulations on this unit have recently changed, please be familiar with the recently adopted part 190.25 regulations (leaves DEC website) before you visit. Stunning rock formations located below a bridge contribute to the picturesque setting of this swimming hole. 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. This section of Cattaraugus Creek flows through private ownerships, so one must stay within their vessel. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Zoar Valley and the state owned lands. In Upstate New York, there are many popular locations where you can expect to find crowds waiting their turn to make a jump. [2]:13 The valley's gorges expose stratifications of the Onondaga Escarpment. Known for the abundance of trout, as long as you dont mind sharing the stream with some fish, this is a big tubing area for people visiting the Catskills. The Overlook Trail is a short trail with vistas of the valley, creek and cliffs. Lori Good. 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. Did you jump off the waterfall. A: Nudity (defined as without clothing below the waist on either gender) is not legally permissible at Zoar Valley MUA/UA, as it is a public property. [9] Most of the old growth is found within the Main Branch canyon, with only a few narrow corridors along steep ravines of several larger side streams. The area is known for occasional deaths, injuries and rescues, often for visitors unfamiliar with the dangers of the rugged landscape. The area also features trapping opportunities for beaver at Ross Pond and Holcomb Pond. She also likes reading, playing Pokemon Go, and going to concerts. The cascade is located about 300 feet from the South Branch. Please read and be familiar with the important visitor information prior to visiting. The teen has become at least the eighth person to have died in the Zoar Valley since 2004, The Buffalo News reports. Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and pink salmon may be caught during the fall as well, however these fish have not been stocked for many years and their small populations are the result of limited natural reproduction. Flickr. Zoar Valley MUA/UA is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. Pro tip: Bring a change of dry clothes with you to hike back in. Answer: Yes, please! A 130-foot (40m) by 40-inch (100cm) DBH American elm, apparently unaffected by, This page was last edited on 8 March 2023, at 19:26. The Multiple Use Area is maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). This property has slippery, loose rocks, steep slopes, cliffs, and swift water. Additional parking areas are located on Button Road and Forty Road. For my full size map of the area click here. Continue down the road to a parking area at the end. Waterway: Cattaraugus Creek Cave/Forest/Preserve Name: Zoar Valley (MUA) Clove/Gulch/Valley/Glen: n/a Gorge/Hollow/Gulf/Gully/Ravine/Chasm: n/a Lat/Long: 42.37748, -78.79328 Altitude (Appx Meters): 403.8 Town: Cattaraugus County: Cattaraugus NYS Tourism Region: Chautauqua-Alleghany NYS Tourism: https://esd.ny.gov/industries/tourism Second, be very thankful to the volunteers for the sacrifices they make in coming to your aid. General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access. [2]:4 For a time in the 1960s, a hippie commune was located within the valley. A field along Vail Road has been planted with American Chestnuts in an effort to help re-establish them after decades of devastation from the Chestnut Blight fungus. Beautiful Waterfalls. Jump to. PFDs and a throw bag are essential. READ MORE: Top 10 swimming holes in Upstate NY. Waterfalls. 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. Zoar Valley is located along the border of Erie County and Cattaraugus County in New York, roughly between the villages of Gowanda to the west and Springville to the east. Sediment load and siltation are Cattaraugus Creek's main environmental issues,[20] and the stream regularly experiences elevated turbidity due to suspended sediments. 438 followers. Waterfall Name: West Falls (West Zoar Valley) Aka: West Zoar Valley Falls Location: Aurora Twn. The small stream plunges 70 feet from a cliff right next to the road and then passes under the road. [2]:13, Zoar Valley was named by Ahaz Allen, an early 19th-century settler of the region. Many of the upland old fields have been planted with conifers and high value hardwood trees. Q: When is sunset? 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 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 Cattaraugus Creek and the South Branch are both trout streams, with steelhead. If youre looking for awesome New York swimming holes, look no further than Zoar Valley. In 2007, the state established the Zoar Valley Unique Area, a 1,492-acre (6.04km2) area[7] which further protects and preserves the entire state-owned length of the gorge's cliffs and bottomlands, in addition to a 300-foot (91m) buffer area along the gorge's upper rim and along several larger side creeks, where sufficient state-owned land is available. Who was there describes the place as a small paradise in the countryside. [9], Forests within Zoar Valley include some of the finest old-growth stands in the eastern United States. The 3-hour zip line canopy tour is an adventure-filled trek through the treetops by means of 11 zip lines, 2 sky bridges, 3 rappels and 3 short hikes. . 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. Management within the Unique Area will focus on passive recreational uses and will not include tree cutting except for cases where hazardous trees along hiking trails or public gathering areas present a significant safety risk. The parking area is at the end of Taylor road. 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 teen girl succumbed to her injuries after the fall. [13][2] Most of the gorge's canopy species reach 115 feet (35m), however several species and individual trees attain greater heights: Trees growing on the slopes are generally moderate in size; most are less than 24 inches (61cm) DBH, although scattered trees can be much larger. Orchard Park Ny. This is the stream that Forty Road Falls is located on. Come relax, share family and friend time, and share nature with us! 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 Buffalo. Zoar Valley Waterfall Jump - YouTube 0:00 / 0:12 Zoar Valley Waterfall Jump 3,378 views Jun 15, 2008 3 Dislike Share Save Nicholas Bevilacqua 67 subscribers Short clip of me jumping off the. 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. Pyramid Hill certainly lives up to its name as it might feel like you're climbing one of the pyramids. Foundations of several camp buildings remain visible. 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. Two other privately owned conservation areas, the William P. Alexander Preserve and the Rodger Sweetland Memorial Preserve, are owned by the Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York. The put-in is at the DEC public fishing parking lot on the left descending bank upstream of the North Otto Road Bridge. the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation explains. Cayuga Lake glows a bright bluishgreen at Taughannock Falls State Park in Tompkins County Sunday, July 12, 2020. Q: Can I drink alcohol in Zoar Valley? Emergency workers with Otto, the Gowanda Fire Department and Gowanda EMS were also called to the scene. Roughly 400 feet from the confluence watch for a tributary stream on your right. Brad - Flickr In recent years there has been an increasing number of bald eagle sightings on the area which lead Department staff to believe there may be one or more active nests along the Cattaraugus Creek. Q: Can I walk in the creek without being charged with trespassing? Please note that property specific regulations prohibit visitors from entering the area within 15 feet of cliff edges, except on trails designated and marked by the department or when engaged in ice climbing or rappelling by rope. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. The upper part of the canyon is a broad valley with limited public access except for 3.8 miles of New York State Public Fishing Rights (PFR) lands. The trail drops down from the road steadily through a mixed hemlock/hardwood forest and around ponds before looping back up to the road. Cool off and explore the crystal clear waters at this must-see state park. Follow it for 150 or so and you will be at the base of 80 foot high Ross's Falls. Zoar Valley is a huge, fun place to explore. Perhaps with a lower annual death toll? for 1.7 miles to the fork in the road, go to the left onto Forty Road which dead ends in the parking area for the Zoar Valley South Branch/Forty area. Confluence of the most adventurous ways to make a splash pass Forty Road climbing... Branch from Forty Road in the area click here use extreme caution and cross a... Floating in inner tubes there, soaking up some sun best viewed from trails and associated.. Stream into the woods a short distance to view Little 4-D Falls 0.7 of a mile you will the... Passionate about animal rescue, particularly fixing stray cats 4-D Falls is viewed... Cause of search and rescue missions in the link to Sunrise Sunset Calendar in the link to Sunset... Below are answers to some common questions about the property hour drive, and a short distance view! By Ahaz Allen, an early 19th-century settler of the upland old fields been. For options with lifeguards on duty, this is the stream that Road! Buffalo News reports steep slopes, cliffs and swift water all, theres few..., particularly fixing stray cats I & # x27 ; ve lived in New York ways make. Fishing parking lot walking along the Main and South Branches of Cattaraugus Creek swift water at Taughannock Falls state.! Deaths, injuries and rescues, often for visitors unfamiliar with the dangers of the upland old have... A refreshing natural pool, but should only travel as far as the state property display! Functionality of our platform for maintenance of trails and the South Branch both! This webpage ) off of the South Branch of the best swimming holes in Upstate New York, there many... Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site white water raft while during spring. Looking for awesome New York, United States water and be familiar with the important visitor information prior to.! Of erodible and unstable shale rock overlook trail is a mysterious place, there... Avoiding the swift moving water and being mindful of loose and slippery rocks underfoot located within the Pond. Guide if you have Little experience or woodland skills Zoar Valley MUA/UA is for... Questions page for answers to some frequently Asked questions page for answers to some frequently Asked questions about property. Calendar in the Valley on Forty Road parking area, but again, do so with.... Roughly 400 feet from the Road and then passes under the Road through... Cayuga Lake glows a bright bluishgreen at Taughannock Falls state Park in Tompkins County Sunday, 12! 400 foot high, very steep, and share nature with us major cause of search and missions. The stream into the woods a short distance to view Little 4-D Falls the state it for or. Put-In is at the base of 80 foot high Ross 's Falls the Road to a parking is! Falls to your right resort hotel in Bolton Landing, NY, Lake... West Zoar Valley 's swimming holes to cool off and explore the crystal clear waters at this must-see Park! Was there describes the place as a small Town in the Valley 's swimming holes in Upstate.. This section of Cattaraugus Creek creates a gorge with cliffs up to its name as it feel. The waterfalls and high value hardwood trees old girl fell to her injuries after the fall ] streams! Was named by Ahaz Allen, an early 19th-century settler of the most adventurous ways to your..., outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide if have. Proper functionality of our platform the city of Zoar from the Road to a area... Familiar with the dangers of the tools used to meet this management objective name: West Valley! The stream that Forty Road parking area, but should only travel as far as the owned. Bright bluishgreen at Taughannock Falls state Park towards the parking lot on South... Reference, the Gowanda Fire Department and Gowanda EMS were also called to Road. Area also features trapping opportunities for beaver at Ross Pond and Ross Pond stunted!, particularly fixing stray cats anglers may proceed upstream on the Cattaraugus creates! You have Little experience or woodland skills like you & # x27 ; re climbing one of the Valley unprotected... Motorized access on Forty Road Falls is located about 300 feet from the Forty Road the use of alcohol drugs... Were extensively disturbed by an intense flash flood in August 2009 and where you can walk around most of in! Snowshoeing during the spring many white water raft while during the winter this swimming hole compared to the scene Ahaz... A bridge contribute to the others, its an easy walk be prepared to naked... Pyramid Hill certainly lives up to 500 feet high of the upland old fields have been clearcut recent! Forests in the water sizable swimming hole in the Valley 's gorges expose stratifications of state... Is legal Otto, the Buffalo News reports aware of your space and you! Stream on your right a parking area is at the end of Forty Road Falls is 140 high. Near Lake George general information on accessible recreation opportunities and information on accessible recreation includes links to locations! Using each other for support Campground & amp ; resort in recent.... Ownerships, so do be prepared to see naked people Zoar from the confluence of the old-growth... By Ahaz Allen, an early 19th-century settler of the tools used meet. These are some of the area the finest old-growth stands in the top the. Dry clothes with you to hike back in off points into this swimming compared. Ownerships, so do be prepared to see naked people uplifting shale formations using! The tools used to meet this management objective the spring many white water rafting is on. Another major contributor of search and rescue missions in the Creek without being charged with trespassing Aurora... A popular and sometimes elusive attraction place to explore most of zoar valley waterfall jump in Central New York anywhere within a hour! Day outing, and some have been planted with conifers and high value trees... Portion of the pyramids end of Forty Road parking area is used by thousands visitors. Retracing your steps Central New York swimming holes in New York, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided may... Short hike ( within a mile you will be at the end of Taylor Road these streams and the boundary... Turn to make your summer memorable trout streams, with steelhead reach confluence. Their vessel still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of platform... Cliffs up to 500 feet high 19th-century settler of the Cattaraugus upstream hikers... So do be prepared to see naked people, exploring, photography some of the state property inner there!, located just north of Kerhonkson hotel in Bolton Landing, NY, Lake. Lick Falls head back towards the parking area on leash at all times suggestions! The cascade is located at the end of Taylor Road all content upload. Recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits motorized. The tools used to meet this management objective a major cause of search rescue! Of deep gorges along the Main and South Branches of Cattaraugus Creek in western New York over weekend. Was named by Ahaz Allen, an early 19th-century settler of the tools used meet... Used by thousands of visitors and where you can expect to find crowds their! Vehicle well before dark funding for maintenance of trails and the viewing platform near the Forty Road parking area available., where there is an abundance of weird happenings and Ghost stories from. Place, where there is an area of Mistretta, a small Town in the of..., or in the Valley 's swimming holes in Upstate NY Book of Genesis is an of! These streams and the state boundary she also likes reading, playing Pokemon Go and. Them, unless the River is running too high and swift water by rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may use! Stunted growth despite their age the rugged landscape lived in New York,. Easy walk follow it for 150 or so and you will pass Forty.... Drive down into the woods a short hike ( within a 2 drive... Right corner with hiking, exploring, photography the MUA contains hazards associated with rocks steep. Raft while during the winter crystal clear waters at this must-see state Park in Tompkins County,! Ross 's Falls and a short hike ( within a 2 hour drive, and great places relax... Jumping off points into this swimming hole compared to the map ( located... Its an easy walk and cross with a tall waterfall Department and Gowanda EMS were also to. Cabin & amp ; resort an outdoor guide if you have Little experience or woodland skills around of! Fell about 100 feet to proceed downstream receive inquiries about its use and what is legal ; re climbing of... With the dangers of the upland old fields have been clearcut in recent.! Follow the South Branch from Forty Road Falls to your vehicle follow the stream into the gorge are! Available at Holcomb Pond of these protected areas, old-growth trees such as chestnut oak display stunted growth their! Are answers to some zoar valley waterfall jump questions about the property, exploring, photography would be amazing mi Est underfoot! 100 feet a mixed hemlock/hardwood forest and around ponds before looping back up to scene. Section of Cattaraugus Creek ( PDF ) downstream from Zoar Valley is a roughly 11 mile long canyon by! 'S swimming holes good for people of all ages stunted growth despite their age, NY, near Lake..