Zoar Valley MUA/UA is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. Those who know. My family used to host reunions at this park. People can often be seen floating in inner. These are some of the best swimming holes in New York, but the area is also wonderful for hiking and exploring without actually going into the water. They can be seen all year but are most abundant during migration periods. [9] The river within the Main Branch canyon is bordered by a riparian zone that is sufficiently large to include landforms ranging from young floodplains recently colonized by woody pioneer species to centuries-old upper terraces containing continuous stands of large old-growth trees. The peaceful sounds and cool waters are so relaxing on a summer afternoon. Return to Waterfall Listing By County This is a major cause of search and rescue missions. Q: What are Zoar Valley's hours of operation? You can walk around most of them, unless the river is running too high. Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and pink salmon may be caught during the fall as well, however these fish have not been stocked for many years and their small populations are the result of limited natural reproduction. An eastern hemlock of only 16 inches (41cm) DBH has been core dated to 410 years at breast height and may be 450 to 500 years at ground level. A: While navigable waterways through private land may be traveled by boat without trespass issues, once you touch land, including the creek bed, bottom or banks, you are trespassing and subject to arrest. Another popular spot in the Adirondacks, Black Hole is well-known as a great location for cliff jumping. About Zoar Valley, New York. Although a barrier to fish, it does not regulate flow. Called a watery eden by the New York Times, Fawn's Leap in the Catskills remains a favorite among cliff jumpers who enjoy the thrilling 24-foot plunge into a natural pool. Unique . DEC releases farm raised ring neck pheasant birds at two sites in the unit. There are waterfalls, hiking trails, beautiful rock formations, and great places to relax in the water. Cliff jumping is one of the most adventurous ways to make your summer memorable. General information on watchable wildlife includes tips for viewing wildlife and links to other watchable wildlife locations. Robert H. Treman State Park (Tompkins County). Share your experiences in the comments! Outside of the Unique Area, land management activities include converting conifer plantations to natural forest stands or grasslands, maintaining existing grasslands and shrub land communities, enhancing conditions for unique species and habitats, increasing overall species and forest diversity, and controlling unwanted exotic species. For a better view of this 130 foot high cascade you will have to cross the creek. If the lot is full, and you park where prohibited by sign, or park illegally in the accessible spaces reserved for people with disabilities, you could be ticketed. From the parking lot, follow the dirt road a couple feet and then take an immediate left where you see . Zoar Valley's old growth is primarily deciduous, and varies in character and species composition depending upon location and landform characteristics. This lot provides access to the Overlook Trail and to Valentines Flats by marked foot trails. Here are 10 fun swimming holes in Upstate NY to make a splash. bob yates. READ MORE: Top 10 swimming holes in Upstate NY. Is that a specific time, or is it an abstract idea? REMINDER: The only safe gorge and creek access at this site is from the Valentine Flats Trail and Forty Road parking lot in the Town of Persia. [3] The sanctuary is located along the Cattaraugus Creek's South Branch, adjacent to the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area. This is primarily a nudist area, so do be prepared to see naked people. DEC developed the draft Niagara Frontier Unit Management Plan (PDF) which describes the management activities for these lands. The Google Map links below leave DEC's website. The so-called . Sediment load and siltation are Cattaraugus Creek's main environmental issues,[20] and the stream regularly experiences elevated turbidity due to suspended sediments. Please use caution and common sense when visiting and be prepared for your trip both with the correct equipment and appropriate trip planning. Answer: The Forty Road parking area provides easy access to the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek and features a short, universally accessible trail to a scenic overlook. The area also features trapping opportunities for beaver at Ross Pond and Holcomb Pond. 16-Year-Old Girl Dies After Falling Off 'Steep Ledge' at New York's Zoar Valley The nature preserve is known for its "hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs and swift water" The following hike is strenuous, is roughly 3.8 miles long and recommended only for well experienced hikers. You can either follow the trail or the stream for Buff cascade. A favorite spot among local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Zoar Valley is known for the spectacular scenery created by its deep gorge, sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls and dense forests. Zoar Valley is known for its spectacular scenery, deep gorges, cliffs, waterfalls and dense forest. [24][25] Many injuries occur on private lands adjacent to the state-owned area; as such, neighboring landowners have become increasingly intolerant of trespassers, while the state has increased patrols and arrests for trespassing and other prohibited behavior. Question: Where is the best location to access the creek? For more information about the area and swimming holes, check out the Department of Environmental Conservation website. The Zoar Valley MUA is raw nature containing seven plus miles of canyon walls. The protected area is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and is open to the public for fishing, hunting, hiking, white-water rafting, and wildlife and scenic viewing. [1] Cattaraugus Creek flows through the valley. Answer: The Zoar Valley gorge features steep shale cliffs with over 400 foot drops to the creek below. Hand-carried water crafts can be launched from the Cattaraugus Creek Waterway Access on North Otto Road. Hikers can sometimes be seen cooling off in the natural pools, but do so with caution. Zoar Valley Gorge is centered around the Cattaraugus Creek, and the South Branch of the Cattaraugus Creek. The confines and size of the canyons allow for massive tree growth. Evidence of early use by settlers includes records of farming as early as 1842, in addition to evidence of shale mining and the establishment of two lime kilns during the early 1800s. Love New York? Did you jump off the waterfall. Editors Note: Some of the areas depicted in the photos of Zoar Valley are now private property and can no longer be accessed by the public. Furthermore, the water runs quickly in some areas. The small stream plunges 70 feet from a cliff right next to the road and then passes under the road. As we've said before, please note: Personal responsibility is key when swimming in these locations: Be safe, practice caution, and if anything, leave the areas a little better than you found them (be sure to carry out any trash you might create). This is the stream that Forty Road Falls is located on. January 12, 2022. Big water to Low water days in 31 - 70 degree weather. Here are found diminutive and gnarled chestnut oak, northern red oak, and red pine that are typically less than 20 feet (6.1m) tall and 12 inches (30cm) in diameter. Warning: Darkness comes much faster in the gorge. ATTENTION VISITORS: The Overlook Trail at the Valentine Flats parking area will be closed until further notice for site improvement and trail work efforts. All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum. In 2007, the state established the Zoar Valley Unique Area, a 1,492-acre (6.04km2) area[7] which further protects and preserves the entire state-owned length of the gorge's cliffs and bottomlands, in addition to a 300-foot (91m) buffer area along the gorge's upper rim and along several larger side creeks, where sufficient state-owned land is available. If the Cattaraugus is low and you have experience crossing large creeks you may want to take a look at Bare Bunns Falls. That being said, there are still plenty of popular spots to explore natural waters throughout the state while being safe! If youre looking for awesome New York swimming holes, look no further than Zoar Valley. Q: Can I join The Nature Conservancy, and/or the Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York, Inc. to go where I want? 144k followers . The Multiple Use Area and Unique Area are public lands under the management of DEC Division of Lands and Forests. This trail was an old access road leading to a former farm on the flats along Cattaraugus Creek near the confluence. Buttermilk Falls State Park near Ithaca, Finger Lakes Region SYR, Buttermilk Falls State Park (Tompkins County). 438 followers. New York State Police and deputies from the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office arrived on scene first. The wildlife to watch includes broad-winged hawks, American kestrels, red-bellied woodpeckers, woodchucks, fox, midland painted turtles, and red-spotted newts. Overview Visit Overview Description Long ago, Cattaraugus Creek carved the Zoar Valley gorge through uplifting shale formations. An additional gorge formed by the Cattaraugus Creek's South Branch stretches south toward the village of Cattaraugus. A husband and wife in their early 30s took a fatal fall off a Zoar Valley cliff in 2017, but their two young sons survived. A 16-YEAR old girl fell to her death in Cattaraugus County, New York over the weekend. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Avoiding the swift moving water and be mindful of loose and slippery rocks underfoot. There is no authorized, safe trail to access Cattaraugus Creek on the Erie County side of the Multiple Use Area. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The entire Agers Falls Recreational Area in the North Country is worth exploring, but you can't miss taking a leap near the main waterfall. Outside of these protected areas, old-growth forests in the valley are unprotected, and some have been clearcut in recent years. Continue down the road to a parking area at the end. Numerous small waterfalls cascade into the Zoar Valley canyon. Waterfalls. Return to Home Page of WNYWS, Waterfalls You Can Visit In Cattaraugus County. Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area Length: 4.0 mi Est. Enjoy its teal waters at the swimmable beach within the park. Please exercise caution when visiting the gorge, be familiar with the area map and Zoar Valley MUA/UA rules and regulations (link leaves DEC website) before visiting. Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. Zoar Valley is a 2,978-acre river valley in Western New York. Question: If I have been going to Zoar for 20+ years, do I still need to read these Q and A's? New York. The wildlife is best viewed from trails and the viewing platform near the Forty Road parking area. The teen girl succumbed to her injuries after the fall. Buttermilk Falls. The Zoar Valley State Multiple Use Area (MUA) is a 2927 acre state owned multi use area located in the Town of Otto, Cattaraugus County. Zoar. Q: Is Zoar Valley all public land? It was first known as Swampfield, a name which is now honored by Swampfield Road, but the name was . [5], Additional protected lands within Zoar Valley include The Nature Conservancy's 450-acre (1.8km2) Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary, which preserves 80 acres (0.32km2) of old-growth forest[9] and was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1967. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to your vehicle well before dark. Encompassing more than 2,939 acres in total, the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (MUA) is one of the most scenic, ecologically diverse and potentially sensitive environmental areas in Western New York. 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