By Miles Hilton
It’s no secret that one of the draws of this area is the diverse ecosystems – woodlands, wetlands, and lakes – that coexist with cities and towns. Of the many ways to experience these ecosystems, Allegany State Park is one of the largest, and offers the most diverse opportunities for recreation.
Allegany State Park’s 65,000 acres, full of woodlands, lakes, and trails, is New York State’s largest State Park. And it’s right in our backyard! Exits 18, 19, and 21 on Route 86 lead into the park, opening its over 300 campsites, miles of trails, and boating, hunting, and fishing opportunities to the region.
For hikers and backpackers like me, the trail system is a major draw. Not only does the park maintain its own extensive trail system, huge cross-country trails, including the 4,800 mile long North Country Trail (NCT), cross the park. The NCT is peppered with well-maintained lean-tos, marked springs, and other amenities, making it a prime location for backpacking.
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Two lake areas – Red House and Quaker Lake – offer boating and swimming opportunities. The park’s many creeks and rivers are great spots for fishing, and the lakes are even stocked with trout each spring. ASP hunting permits are free of charge.
As it gets colder, you might be brushing off your cross-country skis and snowmobiles. Well, Allegany State Park has you covered there, as well. The park offers over 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, as well as a dedicated cross-country ski area, the Art Roscoe Trail System in the north of the park, which includes a warming hut.
Tent camping season is winding down, but the park offers over 300 tent campsites and as many primitive cabins. More luxurious, year-round cabins are available in the Red House and Quaker areas, and those in the Quaker area are fully physically accessible.
Allegany State Park also offers many learning opportunities, including Allegany Nature Pilgrimage, a gathering for ecological appreciation and education each summer. All of this for a vehicle entrance fee of between 6 and 8 dollars, during business hours.
Allegany State Park is an invaluable neighbor, a beautiful section of well-stewarded public land in our backyards. However you choose to get outside, there’s something for you at ASP.