The Chautauqua Gorge is part of the NY State Forest system and has several trails for hiking, day-use picnic areas, and fire rings. Fossils can be found in the shale lining the river. The shale becomes very slippery in wet areas, so watch small children when hiking in wet areas.
Location:
Hannum Road, Chautauqua, NY. From Mayville, take Rte. 430 west to Hannum Road. Hannum road continues for some distance and becomes a dirt road. To reach the swimming holes, drive to the end of the road and park. The trail is at the end of the road and goes downhill to the river and swimming holes.
Amenities:
Picnic shelters
Fire rings
Swimming holes
Hiking trails
Fossils
You fail to mention that the trails to the gorge lead to private property. State does not own those swimming holes.
ReplyDeleteJeff, the trail at the end of Hannum Road is NOT through private property, but is state land. Other trails may run through private property, but the trail mentioned in this article is public.
ReplyDeleteYes, the trail is public, but State Forest property ends above the gorge. Approx. 25 acres of gorge, running South (upstream) from the Fish and Game Club towards the old bridge is now for sale, and the new owner is encouraging the State, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the Town of Chautauqua and other interested parties to purchase this tract for public use.
ReplyDelete