Your Guide to Some of Western New York's Best Trails
Looking for the best things to do in WNY? Hiking Chautauqua County offers some of western New York's most diverse and spectacular outdoor activities, from ancient rock formations to scenic trails with breathtaking lake overlooks. Whether you're seeking family-friendly nature walks near Fredonia or challenging backcountry adventures, these top hiking spots showcase the region's natural beauty and provide unforgettable outdoor experiences for adventurers of all skill levels.
Best Hiking Adventures and Challenging Outdoor Activities
Panama Rocks Scenic Park ranks among the top hiking spots in western New York. This remarkable half-mile ridge features 60-foot high rock formations creating mysterious crevices, passageways, and caves hidden within an ancient forest. As one of the premier outdoor activities in Chautauqua County and the area's #1-rated attraction on TripAdvisor for over five years, Panama Rocks offers a unique geological adventure just 45 minutes from Fredonia. The dramatic rock formations, carved by centuries of natural forces, provide an almost mystical hiking experience unlike anywhere else in WNY.
For serious hikers seeking challenging things to do in WNY, the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail covers over 24 miles from near the Pennsylvania border to the Chautauqua Gorge. This premier hiking trail in Chautauqua County passes through diverse terrain including state reforestation areas and private lands, with camping lean-tos available for multi-day outdoor adventures. Mountain bikers and cross-country skiers also love this trail's varied landscape and remote wilderness feel.
The Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail provides 19 miles of scenic trails from Gerry north to Arkwright, passing through the Canadaway Creek Wildlife Management Area and offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Both overland trails represent some of the best hiking near Fredonia and require respectful use and careful attention to private property boundaries.
Spectacular Scenic Trails with Breathtaking Views
Luensman Overview Park delivers one of the most breathtaking hiking experiences among all outdoor activities in western New York. This 70-acre park sits on a glacial ridge offering fabulous sunset views of Lake Erie, with clear-day visibility extending to the Canadian shore. The easy one-mile interpretive trail through woodland makes this one of the best things to do in WNY for families while providing excellent birding opportunities. Over 15 hawk species have been identified here, along with migrating Bald and Golden Eagles and diverse songbird populations.
Erlandson Overview Park, sitting at approximately 2,040 feet elevation (the county's second highest point), offers amazing views of surrounding hillsides and Chautauqua Lake on clear days. The 1.5-mile loop trail through this 76-acre park includes covered picnic facilities and viewing platforms, making it ideal for combining hiking Chautauqua County with relaxation and scenic photography.
Top Lakeside Trails and Waterfront Outdoor Activities
Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake features a one-mile loop trail leading to the tip of the peninsula for memorable panoramic lake views at water level. This 320-acre day-use park represents one of the premier things to do in WNY, combining scenic trails with swimming, boating, and wildlife observation. With 120 recorded bird species over the years, the wooded areas filled with beech, maple, spruce, poplar, and oak provide excellent shade and diverse ecosystems perfect for hiking near Fredonia and surrounding communities.
The Jamestown Riverwalk offers a completely different outdoor activity experience along five miles of urban trail following the Chadakoin River through downtown Jamestown. This paved trail connects multiple municipal parks and provides easy access for walking, jogging, or cycling while exploring the area's industrial heritage and river ecology - making it one of the most accessible top hiking spots for visitors of all abilities.
Premier Nature Preserves and Wildlife Sanctuary Trails
Audubon Community Nature Center encompasses 600 acres of pristine wildlife sanctuary with six miles of easy scenic trails through fields, woods, and wetlands. Multiple observation towers and handicap-accessible overlooks provide excellent wildlife viewing, while the trails feature photo blinds at prime birdwatching locations. This represents one of the top outdoor activities in Chautauqua County for nature enthusiasts, with managed ponds and marshes attracting diverse waterfowl and migration species throughout the year.
French Creek Preserve offers a fascinating one-hour loop trail through one of the Northeast's most biologically diverse aquatic systems. The scenic trails pass through floodplain forest, hardwood areas, and along creekside bluffs, providing habitat for 89 fish species and 27 mussel species. Visitors hiking Chautauqua County here have opportunities to spot black bear, river otter, and osprey in their natural habitat.
Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park provides two well-developed trail options among the best things to do in WNY: an easy 0.8-mile loop and a more challenging 1.8-mile center loop through rolling terrain. This 77-acre preserve protects 1,100 feet of shoreline and includes 26 acres of high-value wetlands. With over 175 identified bird species, it ranks among the top hiking spots in Chautauqua County for diverse birding destinations.
Best Multi-Use Trail Systems for Diverse Outdoor Activities
Chautauqua Rails to Trails preserves beautiful abandoned rail corridors converted into safe off-road scenic trails perfect for hiking, walking, running, bicycling, and seasonal outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. These trails provide access to scenic woodlands, wetlands, and flowering meadows, representing some of the most versatile things to do in WNY. Visitors can observe plants, animals, and birds in areas otherwise remote from roads while enjoying some of the region's most peaceful hiking experiences.
The Alison Wells Ney Trail stretches 9.8 miles from Bliss Road down the Lake Erie Escarpment to Fuller Road, offering stunning vistas of Lake Erie along some of the most scenic trails in western New York. Multiple parking areas along the route allow hikers to choose shorter segments or tackle the entire trail. The specially surfaced "Healthy Heart" trail segment between Highland and School Street provides an excellent fitness walking experience, making this one of the top hiking spots near Fredonia for health-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
Hidden Gems and Specialized Scenic Trails
Chautauqua Gorge State Forest (map) encompasses 538 acres with opportunities for hiking, primitive camping, and wildlife observation among the best outdoor activities in the region. The accessible quarter-mile loop trail around a larch/spruce plantation provides easy family hiking, while fall visits offer glimpses of the dramatic gorge when leaves become sparse - making this one of the top hiking spots for seasonal photography.
CHQ Trail at Chautauqua Institution remains open to the public from sunrise to sunset for recreational hiking, birdwatching, and educational exploration throughout spring, summer, and fall. This represents one of the more unique things to do in WNY, combining cultural heritage with natural beauty.
So Many Things To Do
These diverse hiking opportunities showcase why Chautauqua County ranks among the premier destinations for outdoor activities in western New York. From ancient geological formations to pristine waterways and diverse ecosystems, each trail offers unique experiences that highlight the region's remarkable natural heritage. Whether seeking challenging adventures or peaceful nature walks, these top hiking spots and scenic trails provide unforgettable connections with the natural world - making hiking Chautauqua County an essential experience for anyone exploring the best things to do in WNY. From hiking near Fredonia to exploring remote wilderness areas, these outdoor activities demonstrate why this region has attracted nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts for generations.