Story: Zoar Valley: An American Adventure

You hear about these stunning sights: dramatic soaring limestone cliffs with thundering waterfalls cascading down rocks in lacelike patterns, stretches of awe-inspiring sights along trails meandering through giant trees in an ancient, cloud-covered forest. “Hawaii?” you guess. Nope, try north. This is Zoar Valley, a hidden Western New York gem just 30 miles south of Buffalo.
I recall the first time I visited the nearly 3,000-acre park that borders Erie and Cattaraugus counties, taken by some friends who love outdoor activities in the summertime, and also enjoy nature. “You have to see this place!’ they told me. We journeyed around cliffs towering 500 feet and explored miles of trails, some steep enough to give us tantalizing views, then set out on a group kayaking trip cheering each other on as we navigated the rapids. For the less risky, paddlers floated leisurely in canoes. We wandered through a spectacular forest, encountered picturesque lookouts, cooled off in spring-fed pools, and stood under waterfalls that fed secret swimming holes. I was fascinated, and with every visit, I find more added wonder.
The park offers a wide range of hiking trails that vary from the rather steep to fairly flat. Start your visit off to a scenic start on Point Peter Road. Park in the lot at the end of Valentine Flats Road. Near the end of the road, you’ll see the trail, which will go to the left, where it heads to Point Peter, a nice overlook, and then to the right. Follow it down the hill and head to your right, but be careful. It turns into a pretty steep incline. At the bottom of the hill, you’ll head toward the water’s edge. Known as “Little Paradise,” Valentine Flats boasts a beautiful view. It’s flat land completely surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and river beach. You’ll also find an abundance of raspberries and blackberries to pick.
Zoar Valley’s steep, stone-walled gorge creates truly breathtaking waterfalls. Some are called “cascades,” which rain down from the cliffs reaching heights of 500 feet. The magnificent Waterman’s Cascade is located near Gowanda. Extremely graceful, it drops in a series of falls and rapids, widening as it drops through a wooded and picturesque glen.
Besides the panoramic views, Zoar Valley Park offers some other scenery seldom encountered in the region. Sure to enchant you, the Gallery of Giants is home to over forty-five species of trees and rare native plants. The oldest trees are up to 500 years old. A Western New York spectacular site, the Gallery of Giants is now scientifically recognized as one of the largest remaining Eastern old growth forests in the Untied States. You’ll find a variety of rugged and primeval treasures while walking or paddling through the area.
One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of this park is through hiking. The Zoar Valley Canyon is known as the “wildest spot in Western New York.” It glows golden and provides breathtaking scenery along with spectacular views. Like the rest of the area, the canyon should be explored with caution. Some areas require that you pass under dangerous loose shale cliffs. There are different combinations of trails in the area, which can be dangerous. I can say that first-time visitors should be careful, and use common sense.
This beautiful, unspoiled area has many wild, secluded streams for those who enjoy fishing in solitude. Here, you’ll find some of the best freshwater fishing in North America that team with rare bird life, including nestling American Bald eagles and red shouldered hawks, frequently spotted soaring in and around the canyons.
I can say enthusiastically that Zoar Valley is a pocket full of paradise that will thrill you with its stunning beauty.