By Kate Bartlett
The Ellicottville- Great Valley Trail (EVGV Trail), GoBike and the Town and Village of Ellicottville Officials have been working on a plan to keep traffic off the road as well as connecting downtown business districts. The EVGV Trail is intended to provide a multi-use trail for biking, walking, running (and more) for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of the region and stay active on a safe path away from vehicular traffic. Currently, there are several proposed alignments being considered, but stay tuned for the final plans to be announced very soon.
The Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism was awarded a $7 million Federal Raise grant to complete the alignment and full design documents for the 52-mile trail. The Southern Tier Trail that will run from the Erie- Catt Rail Trail in Ashford, through Ellicottville (which includes the Ellicottville- Great Valley Trail) to the Genesee Valley Greenway in Hinsdale is nearing the end of the alignment phase and almost ready to start the final design.
The County has contracted with GOBike out of Buffalo to work with all eleven municipalities for input on their preferred alignments and is now working to finalize the preferences as well as working with any land owners who may be along the corridor. GOBike has created Advisory Committees for each section of trail and have been working one on one with land owners, NYS DOT and the Seneca Nation of Indians. “The hope is that the final alignments will be completed by the end of 2025 so that the design team can begin,” says Kate O’Stricker, Senior Developments Specialist. “It’s been a long process, but we’re pleased with how things are moving forward.”
While there is no constructed trail at this time, design documents have been completed from the Ellicottville Town Center through the Nannen Arboretum crossing the road and circling around the Village Park to then follow Elk Creek to Elizabeth Street. The EVGV Trail Committee has completed some grant applications to fund this portion of the trail, but has not been successful yet. They will continue to look for funding for this project.
Once the municipalities approve the alignments for the full Southern Tier Trail, Colliers Engineering and Design will begin the process of the final design. “They will determine the best trail design types for each section,” explains Katrina. “With a 52-mile trail, the types will range from 8 to 10-feet wide off-road foot paths, on road side paths, advisory lanes or bike shoulders. In some areas we may need to connect with the local sidewalk system as well. Our goal is to provide the safest space for bikes and pedestrians throughout the full 52-mile corridor.”
Recently, The EVGV Trail held a successful fundraiser with a great turnout for the May the 4th Be with You 5K at HoliMont this year. They are in the process of planning the next 5K in May 2026.
For more information visit EVGVtrail.org.