By Barbara Arnstein
You can find so many of the joys of summer at Allegany State Park! There are lakes to swim in, brooks to look at, and five miles of paved bike paths to bike. You can go fishing, rent a cabin, a bike or a boat, bird-watch and brunch at a breakfast buffet. These are only a few of the many reasons the almost 65,000-acre park in Cattaraugus County, with endless natural beauty from its rolling hills, meadows, ponds, and other beautiful features, has been called “the wilderness playground of Western New York”.
The park is divided into two main sections: the Red House area and the Quaker area. The Red House area includes the Tudor-style Administration Building, with a restaurant that’s now open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am-7pm, and Sunday from 9am-7pm. The Sunday buffet is available until 1pm. Activity areas are centrally located around Red House lake, including paved bike paths, and boat and bike rental spots. You can swim in Red House Lake and Quaker Lake from 11am-7pm, the hours that lifeguards are present. Feel like hiking? The park has 18 hiking trails.
In the Red House Wetland area, you can walk on a boardwalk to view a wetland, and stroll down its length to a special birdwatching spot. In the Thunder Rocks area,
you can see giant rocks naturally formed into unusual shapes, and see impressive vistas from the Stone Tower. The attractions of the Quaker area include camping, two lakes, two fishing piers, and a canoeing and kayaking
During a recent visit, I enjoyed the lovely fragrance of wild white roses, blooming in many places throughout the park paths, and the sight of the long string of Canada
geese, swimming single-file in the Red House area. I admired the yellow irises growing in numerous scenic spots, and brooks bordered with forget-me-nots.
To reach the park, drive to Exit 19 off of Interstate 86. It is near Salamanca, NY. For more information, go to parks.ny.gov/parks or call (716) 379-6450.