By Carol Fisher-Linn
Patricia “Pat” McGee was a New York State Senator who championed local environmental and recreational resources.
“New York State Senator,” … sounds so impressive, but Pat was not just a public figure, nor a person who wanted to “impress.” Pat McGee was a warm, dedicated, funny, smart resident of Franklinville, NY, long before she earned the title of NYS Senator. I met Pat when I was an older student at JCC in Olean and she was a secretary and administrative assistant at the Olean campus of Jamestown Community College. She was very savvy about working with students of all ages. Walking into her office, I was always immediately greeted with a smile, and the question, “Hi Carol, what can I do for you?” She knew students by name and generally remembered their “story.” It’s that kind of individual one remembers – for how she valued relationships and community. Those natural skills are surely the ones that made her such a beloved NYS Senator. It is logical that those who knew her would want her to be remembered, and although she did not have a hand in building the Pat McGee Trail, it was rightfully named in her memory as a dedicated supporter of greenways and community outdoor access before her passing in 2005.
In 2000, the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) transferred the former Eire-Lackawanna railbed between Cattaraugus and Salamanca to the Cattaraugus Local Development Corporation. The Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which developed the Pat McGee Trail. Unfortunately, Ms. McGee died unexpectedly at age 70, just months before the dedication.
If you haven’t visited any portion of the trail, here’s information that might entice you. It’s 12.1 miles connect the City of Salamanca and the Village of Cattaraugus. The trail runs from the City of Salamanca city line, through the Town of Salamanca, the village and town of Little Valley and the towns of Mansfield and New Albion ending at Leon Road just outside the Village of Cattaraugus. There is a map online. You can hike it, bike it, ride your horse and snowshoe, cross-country ski, or ride your snowmobile.
The trail starts near Cattaraugus, NY and goes to Salamanca NY. You’ll cross over the Eastern Continental Divide about 3 miles southeast of the Cattaraugus trailhead after the start. This Divide separates the watershed that drains south toward the Allegheny and Mississippi Rivers from the northern watershed that flows into the Great lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Just think: If you dropped a message in a bottle on either side of the watershed, one would head to the Gulf of Mexico while the other would head off to the Atlantic/St. Lawrence basin. Who knows, your message might make history or inspire someone to go on a quest to find you. There are not many amenities on the trail, but there is a lean-to at this point. Plan wisely, there are no porta potties on the trail at this writing.
Once you get to the Village of Little Valley you’ll find establishments for refreshments (and bathrooms), or you can picnic at the community park in a gazebo or picnic shelter. This is roughly a half-way point. The next 6 miles runs through a narrow valley alongside Little Valley Creek crossing a trail into Elkdale Forest. After you traverse a 123 foot-long railroad trestle, you’ll cross the 950-mile Finger Lakes Trail, finally ending in Salamanca.
If you only want to do part of the trail there are five designated parking areas and multiple community access points enabling visitors to hop on or off. Main access and parking points are Village of Cattaraugus – the northern trailhead is near Leon Road; Village of Little Valley – it has a central community park with a pavilion, parking and restrooms, and a fun place to get a bite to eat (example: Ellicottville Brewing Company, Hughes Hotel, etc.); City of Salamanca – southern trailhead area near the City Line, near Center Street Extn. (353) near Forest Avenue (there is a McDonald’s and BK on the other end of Salamanca). There are intermediate road crossings: Additional minor access/parking spots exist near Linlyco Lake and Woodworth Hollow. It is best to check the maps for the Trail and plan accordingly.
The Trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Remember to keep your eyes and ears open for sounds and sights of 41 species of mammals, 150 types of birds, and 174 kinds of plants and trees. Challenge: try to find them all.
Go online for the Pat McGee TrailLink Map for more detailed directions. Happy Trails!