Blossoms float through the air, and leaves grow on the trees; spring has sprung! The sunshine has finally brought a warm breeze through Western New York, causing temperatures to pleasantly rise. As the sun peaks over the soon-to-be lush hills, local hiking trails are a popular spot to enrich the spring experience. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite hiking areas within the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, NY. Choose your adventure!

GRIFFIS SCULPTURE PARK:

For 42 years, art has danced around the hiking trails and ponds at Griffis Sculpture Park, located on Mill Valley Road in East Otto, NY. The park is characterized by 250 large-scale sculptures, meticulously dispersed through the trees and around the ponds with a natural setting in mind. It is split into two sections: Rohr Hill Road Site and Mill Valley Road Site. The Rohr Hill Site is characterized by sculptures placed in the fields on top of the hill and set in the woods just from the road, whereas the Mill Valley Site offers both a smooth walk and a variety of trails through the blossoming woods. The park is open from May 1st to October 31st, allowing visitors to experience what it has to offer through the flowery spring, lush summer, and vibrant autumn.

ALLEGANY STATE PARK:

With 18 hiking trails, beach and water access, fishing locations, and campgrounds, Allegany State Park has been a staple in the nature-loving community. Out of the 18 trails, three have been modified and designed to be self-guided trails. Biking trails also run through the 65-acre park for 5.6 miles, perfect for a morning refresher or a midday breeze through. Beach access is the prime place for soaking up the rays after a swim. In preparation for the fishing season, the park offers gear at their retail shop, so you are prepared for the best catch of your season. Rowboats, paddleboats, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks are also available for rent. The State Park is split into two sections: the Red House Area and the Quaker Area. Both are open year-round with an abundance of outdoor activities for every season.

ROCK CITY PARK:

In Olean, Rock City stands as proof of a pre-existing ocean floor that humans can now walk through and explore. Rock City is the world’s largest exposure of conglomerate and quartz, attracting thousands of visitors yearly. The park offers scenic views, plenty of hiking trails, a picnic area, a gift shop, and a museum alongside its famous enormous rock formations. And yes, you may climb on the rocks! It’s nature’s playground!

PFEIFFER NATURE CENTER:

Spanning more than 640 acres, Pfeiffer Nature Center serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. The center boasts a variety of educational trails, each designed to immerse visitors in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re strolling through dense woodlands or pausing in tranquil meadows, there’s always something fascinating to discover. Bird-watching stands out as the most beloved activity. Visitors are invited to join a guided bird walk hosted by Tim Baird, who shares insights into the diverse species that inhabit the area. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a newcomer eager to learn, Pfeiffer Nature Center provides a backdrop for the journey into the world of avian wildlife.

PAT McGee TRAIL:

A 12.2 mile multi-purpose trail, the Pat McGee Trail is open for hiking, horseback riding, and biking every season. The trail connects 7 municipalities between Cattaraugus and Salamanca, once existing as a county-wide railroad. With many grasses, trees, streams, and different kinds of wildlife, visitors make contact with the tranquil side of nature. The biodiversity of the trail identifies 150 different species of birds, 41 mammal species, 174 different plants and trees, and 10 points of geographical phenomena, all with educational signs guiding the way through the unique journey.

FINGER LAKES TRAIL:

Weave through the scenic landscapes of the local area and intersect with two other well-traveled hiking paths when you venture on the Finger Lakes Trail. Stretching an impressive 550 miles from the Pennsylvania border to the Catskills, this iconic trail provides a vital connection between Little Valley, Great Valley, Ellicottville, and Ashford, offering adventurers a chance to explore the natural beauty of Western New York. One of its notable segments passes through Little Rock City in Little Valley, a relatively easy trek that takes visitors through fascinating rock formations. For those looking for a slightly greater challenge, the trail also runs through Holiday Valley and HoliMont, offering an easy-to-moderate hiking experience.

The local area emerges into the warmth of spring, offering a gateway to adventure, art, and tranquility. Whether it's wandering among the sculptures of Griffis Sculpture Park, trekking through the vast trails of Allegany State Park, climbing the ancient formations at Rock City, or immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Pfeiffer Nature Center, each destination paints a unique picture of the season. From the historic pathways of the Pat McGee Trail to the expansive Finger Lakes Trail, nature enthusiasts can find multiple opportunities to connect with the outdoors. As the hills turn lush and the breeze carries the scent of fresh blossoms, now is the prime time to step outside, explore, and embrace the natural wonders that the local area has to offer.