One Last Summer Adventure in Cattaraugus County, NY Template (Copy)
One Last Summer Adventure in Cattaraugus County, NY
From hiking and paddling in Allegany State Park to giant sculptures, towering rock formations, local markets and Ellicottville’s food and drink, there’s still time for one more summer adventure.
There’s still time to squeeze every last bit of adventure out of summer in the Enchanted Mountains. As the days grow shorter and the first hints of autumn appear across the Enchanted Mountains, late summer is the perfect time to explore the county’s scenic trails, charming communities, outdoor attractions, and of course, its local food and drink.
Start your adventure at Allegany State Park, New York’s largest state park. With approximately 65,000 acres of forests, lakes and trails, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Spend the day hiking, biking, fishing or kayaking, or simply relax along Quaker Lake or Red House Lake. Don’t miss Thunder Rocks, where enormous rock formations create a natural playground unlike anything else in the region.
After working up an appetite, head toward Little Valley for a taste of local flavor at Ellicottville Brewing Company’s Little Valley location. Enjoy a locally brewed beer before continuing your journey through the countryside.
For a completely different outdoor experience, make your way to Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto. More than 250 large-scale sculptures are scattered throughout hundreds of acres of woods, fields and hillsides, creating an unforgettable combination of art and nature. Wander the trails, discover unexpected sculptures around every corner, and take plenty of photos along the way.
For another geological adventure, visit Rock City Park and weave your way between towering rock formations and narrow passageways. These natural attractions are reminders that some of the best summer adventures don’t require anything more than comfortable shoes and a sense of curiosity.
Late summer is also the perfect season to slow down and explore the county’s farm stands, markets, and small-town eateries. Pick up fresh produce for a picnic, stop for coffee, or make an afternoon of sampling local craft beverages. In Cattaraugus, RocketCup Coffee Company offers locally roasted coffee in a charming downtown setting, while Jenny Lee Country Store is a great place to settle in for classic Western New York comfort food. Across the county, farm markets offer another way to experience the flavors of the season - from fresh vegetables and fruits to locally produced goods.
And don’t forget Ellicottville! Take a stroll through the village, browse local shops, and enjoy one more taste of summer at the Winery of Ellicottville or Ellicottville Distillery. For craft beer and a full meal, Steelbound offers another opportunity to relax after a day exploring the mountains.
As summer winds down, Cattaraugus County begins its beautiful transition toward fall. That makes the next few weeks an ideal time to get outside, discover a new trail, visit a favorite attraction, or take a spontaneous road trip.
Whether your perfect summer day involves a hike through the woods, a paddle on the lake, giant sculptures in a field, towering rocks, a farm market stop, or a cold local beverage at the end of the day, there’s still plenty of time to make one more summer memory. And with fall just around the corner, this is only the beginning of another spectacular season in the Enchanted Mountains. Visit EnchantedMountains.com to start planning!