DEC Announces Completion of Phase I Public Safety and Access Improvements at Zoar Valley Unique Area

Phase II Construction Scheduled for 2025 to Include Improvements to Emergency Access

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the completion of the first phase of public safety and visitor experience improvements at Zoar Valley Unique Area in Cattaraugus County, including a new, accessible trail at Valentine Flats. Construction of the new Memorial Trail is part of a two-phase project that began last fall and will also include upgrades and improvements to infrastructure and emergency access.

"DEC's ongoing efforts to improve public safety and the visitor experience at Zoar are well underway," Interim Commissioner Mahar said. "DEC will continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the second phase of construction so that visitors of all abilities are able to enjoy Zoar's beautiful vistas from a safe distance."

The Memorial Trail replaces the former Overlook Trail at Valentine Flats. The new trail is being crafted to meet federal accessibility standards and is designed to keep visitors on the trail and a safe distance from the gorge into Cattaraugus Creek.

Construction on Phase I started in November 2023. After crews cleared woody debris from the trail area and constructed a temporary road and culvert, the new trail was surveyed and marked with four viewing areas at scenic locations. Crews also installed a split-rail fence to maintain a safe setback from the gorge. This past spring, construction contractors built the trail, seeded trail edges, and installed a permanent culvert to improve drainage and protect water.

The second phase of the project includes improving emergency access from the parking lot to the creek, as well as additional improvements. Phase II construction will begin in 2025.

The Valentine Flats parking area and trails are reopening today, and will remain open until Phase II work begins in 2025. Other access points, including Forty Road in the town of Persia and the Holcomb and Ross Pond areas, will remain open to visitors throughout construction. In addition, updated information about trail and parking closures are posted on DEC's website.

As the weather warms and the outdoor recreation season begins, DEC encourages visitors to prepare for their outdoor adventures and practice safe and responsible recreation before visiting Zoar Valley and all State lands and sites.

Zoar Valley is widely recognized for its spectacular scenery created by a deep gorge surrounding Cattaraugus Creek, as well as its sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and dense forests.

DEC reminds visitors to recreate safely and responsibly by following all rules and regulations and taking appropriate outdoor safety measures, including:

Signing in and out of all trail registers. Only one person should sign in for groups;

Following all State Forest Regulations, Outdoor Safety Practices and posted signage at access points, along trails and at the gorge rim;

Staying on marked trails. The property contains hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs, and swift water. There is no authorized, safe trail to access Cattaraugus Creek on the Erie County side of the Multiple Use Area;

Observing all the rules and regulations. Before visiting, visitors should familiarize themselves with DEC's regulations, which restrict access upstream from the Forty Road parking area, include a 15-foot setback from the cliff edges, prohibit climbing of cliff walls, and create a new restricted area along the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek. Additional rules and regulations continue to prohibit camping, fires, alcoholic beverages, and glass containers at Zoar Valley;

Following @NYSDECAlerts. The @NYSDECAlerts Twitter feed helps provide real-time updates about the most crowded places, especially when those places and parking areas are at capacity; and

Practicing Leave No Trace^TM principles when recreating on State land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources, and interact respectfully with others.

To ensure visitors to Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area and Unique Area are aware of potential risks and the need to prepare, DEC continues its comprehensive efforts to improve visitor experience and public safety. Enhanced safety messaging and updated maps and information are available at DEC's Zoar Valley MUA webpage, including important Tips for Visitors to Zoar Valley MUA and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

New Yorkers are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands at Zoar Valley and all natural spaces by practicing Leave No Trace™ principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level.

For more information and for updates on trail and parking closures, please visit DEC's website. DEC also encourages visitors to consider accessing other state properties across Western New York.

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