Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area 10112 Valentine Flats Road, Gowanda, NY 14070

The Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, located at 10112 Valentine Flats Road in Gowanda, New York, is a 2,978-acre park known for its stunning scenery, including deep gorges, cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forests. Visitors are reminded to stay on marked trails due to hazards such as rocks, steep slopes, and swift water. The Valentine Flats parking area and trails are currently closed for improvement work, but other access points at Forty Road, Holcomb Pond, and Ross Pond remain open.

Activities at Zoar Valley include hiking, paddling, fishing, hunting, trapping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching. Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are popular on the Cattaraugus Creek, with various outfitters offering trips within the gorge area. Anglers can fish in Holcomb Pond, Ross Pond, and the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek, which are known for trout and steelhead. Hunting opportunities include deer, pheasant, squirrel, and grouse, while trapping is available for beaver.

During the winter months, the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on designated trails. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot broad-winged hawks, American kestrels, bald eagles, and other species from viewing platforms and trails. The park also features an accessible parking area, trail, and viewing platform for visitors with disabilities.

Please check the Zoar Valley Construction Update Fact Sheet for the latest information on park access and trail closures. Remember to respect the natural environment and follow safety guidelines while enjoying this beautiful outdoor space in Western New York.