Photos/Article by Barbara Arnstein
According to David Lawrence Reade, author of “Western New York Wild: Celebrating Our Rich Natural Heritage” and other books about nature in Western New York”, Allegany State Park is “an absolute gem!”. Its 65,000 acres feature small mountains, two large lakes, creeks and streams, and vast swaths of forest that include several areas of untouched old-growth wilderness.” The park is in Cattaraugus County in Western New York, just north of the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. The northeastern half of the park is the Red House Area, and its several sections include Red House Lake, the Stone Tower, and the Roscoe Ski Area. It also has five miles of paved bicycle trails and 130 campsites, and the Administration building which features an information center, a restaurant, and a gift shop is there. The southwestern section, the Quaker area, includes Quaker Lake, Science Lake, Thunder Rocks, several campsites, the Cain Hollow campground and much more.
“As a photographer, I am drawn to Allegany for many reasons.”, he continued. “Spring through Fall, the park presents a delightful succession of wildflowers. In Autumn there are stunning displays of Fall colors throughout the park. The brooks that trickle through the park feature picturesque moss-covered boulders and small waterfalls. When the winds are calm, the lake reflections of the surrounding mountains and forest are wonderful. Plus, there is plenty of wildlife to observe, including deer, porcupines, raccoons, beavers, fox, hares, squirrels and even the occasional bear! An extensive variety of beautiful birds also inhabit the park.”. Another of Reade’s books, the bestseller, “Beyond Buffalo! A Photographic Guide to the Secret Natural Wonders of Our Region”, beautifully captured many natural scenes.
Both areas in Allegany State Park’s 65,000 acres, which are within the Allegheny Highlands forest’s ecoregion, offer sand beaches, picnic areas, hiking trails and naturalist walks. The twenty-one, year-round hiking trails are of various lengths and degrees of difficulty. Since six are part of the Art Roscoe Ski Touring Area, and groomed for cross-country skiing in winter, they are unavailable for hiking then. However, the Roscoe Touring Area offers fantastic skiing and mountain bike trails. Also, there are over 90 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and over 150 winterized cabins, and the various activities include canoeing, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and horseback riding.