A Thirst for Adventure: Tap Into Summer Fun in the Enchanted Mountains
A Thirst for Adventure: Tap Into Summer Fun in the Enchanted Mountains
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or watching movies under the stars, the Enchanted Mountains offer scenic beauty, rich culture, and nonstop summer fun.
Summer in Western New York means one thing: it’s time to experience the natural beauty, quirky charm, and vibrant community life of Cattaraugus County - better known as the Enchanted Mountains. From forest adventures to family-friendly festivals, this scenic corner of the state offers countless opportunities to get outside, explore local culture, and make lasting memories. At the heart of it all is EnchantedMountains.com, your trusted guide for everything happening across the county this season.
Art Among the Trees
One of the most unique destinations in the Enchanted Mountains is Griffis Sculpture Park, located just outside Ellicottville. Set on over 400 acres of rolling hills and wooded trails, it features more than 250 large-scale sculptures by artist Larry Griffis Jr. and other contemporary creators. Visitors are encouraged to touch, climb, and interact with the artwork, making this outdoor sculpture park a magical place for both kids and adults. It’s not just a walk in the woods - it’s a surreal, hands-on artistic adventure. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy.
Explore the Wilderness
Allegany State Park, New York’s largest state park, offers something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. With over 65,000 acres of forest, lakes, cabins, and trails, it’s a hub for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The Red House and Quaker Lake areas both offer sandy beaches for swimming, picnic spots, boat rentals, and well-maintained camping facilities. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long stay in one of the park’s rustic cabins, this park delivers on scenery, serenity, and outdoor recreation.
Giants in Stone
Near Olean, visitors will find a geological wonder at Rock City Park, home to one of the largest natural formations of quartz conglomerate rock in the world. The massive rocks - some towering 80 feet high - form narrow crevices and scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the Enchanted Mountains. A self-guided trail winds through the site, taking visitors through the ancient formations that were once part of a prehistoric ocean floor. It’s a must-see for geology fans, photographers, and families seeking an out-of-the-ordinary day outdoors.
Hit the Trails
Cattaraugus County is a haven for mountain biking, with trails suited for everyone from casual riders to hardcore cyclists. The Art Roscoe Trail System at Allegany State Park offers over 20 miles of multi-use trails through forested ridges, while HoliMont and Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville transforms into mountain biking hotspots during the summer months with lift-serviced trails and rentals available. The Pat McGee Trail, stretching 12.1 miles between Salamanca and Cattaraugus, offers a scenic, crushed-stone surface ideal for family rides and long-distance bikers alike.
Summer Nostalgia
A summer evening in the Enchanted Mountains isn’t complete without a trip to the drive-in theater. The Delevan Twin Drive-In and the Portville Drive-in, some of the last remaining in the state, shows current blockbusters on two screens, complete with a retro snack bar and grassy spaces for lawn chairs. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of hiking, biking, or festival-going. Just park your car, tune in the radio, and enjoy a film under the stars. This is a “must add” item to your summer bucket list.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: EVENTS IN 2025
The 2025 summer events calendar in Cattaraugus County is brimming with festivals, concerts, and community celebrations that reflect the area’s diverse interests and welcoming spirit.
Some of the highlights include the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival, set to take place July 4-6, 2025. Tame the Tuna Regatta in Limestone on July 26th, and OnoFest at Onoville Marina Park featuring three different bands is scheduled for July 27th. Also returning on July 27th and lasting until August 2nd is the Cattaraugus County Fair. With carnival rides, animal exhibits, nightly grandstand shows, tractor pulls, and a Rodeo, this fair has been a staple in the region for over a century. It remains one of the best values in New York for family entertainment, blending agriculture and excitement into a week of summer tradition.
The Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans Powwow in Salamanca will be held on July 19-20th and is not to be missed. It’s a vibrant celebration of Native American culture featuring traditional dancing, drumming, authentic foods and handmade crafts. If you are not around that weekend, the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center should be added to your summer bucket list to learn about the culture of the Seneca Nation. They also offer workshops, exhibits, and events. For those looking to explore the region’s rich history and Indigenous heritage, this cultural center provides an enriching stop on any itinerary.
Whether you’re planning a quiet escape into nature, a weekend of art and culture, or a fun-filled family road trip, Cattaraugus County has something to offer. To plan the perfect summer in the Enchanted Mountains, including up-to-date lodging, trail maps, event listings, and visitor tips, visit www.EnchantedMountains.com.