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Zoar Valley

4.6 (24 reviews)

Zoar Valley Photos

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Easy to walk the creek when water is low
Lauren S.

Beautiful park for a nice hike with the family. The trails are marked but they can be a little dangerous if you aren't paying attention so please....pay attention! There are beautiful rock formations and the trees and landscape is exceptionally beautiful during the fall. There are several sections of the park that you can park and hike so do your research before deciding which parking area to use to get to the destination you are looking for. And find yourself a good hiking stick!

Christina D.

Gonna start this review with a shout-out to my right hand man, Javert, for keeping me balanced all afternoon. Okay, so right hand walking stick, because I give inanimate objects names when I know I shouldn't. Honestly, my props should go to Laney H for her review helped lay a course that didn't make me think I was going to die falling off some high height. He mentioned he had brought his kids, and I tend to have the balance of one, so it met my needs. My mate slept in, so we arrived a bit later than hoped, which meant a few others were out, though they took different directions, one opting to stay and sunbathe along the water. I was serenading my mate when a couple spotted us (read: suffered ear torture from my direction) and said hello. He advised us to keep walking to reach a waterfall. We had passed a few tiny ones (pretending to be water droplets, shouting wheee into the solitude) and would have gone further, but they hadn't a toilet, and when you're staying hydrated, the tinkle tank tends to get a bit full. There's a sign at the entrance about picking up your trash. DMML was there, or so says his graffiti. Some people apparently couldn't read, or did and chose to ignore the sign. Along the way, we discovered a gaggle a beer bottles guarding an empty container of pineapple weed. As for the other sort of weeds, it was also absent, a very pure land. Once you get past the discarded underwear abandoned on the rocks that is. I wouldn't suggest going skinny dipping, as there are rocks aplenty, and teensy weensy tadpoles about. The water was about calf high, and as we waded through, my stick testing the depths, we came across many animal friends. We found two frogs, who must've been responsible for all the spawns, picking one up for a photoshoot. There was a crawfish, and I got him to crawl up onto my stick to say hello before parting ways. And there was a duck, amongst probably half a dozen other creatures beyond our grasp. We came across a rock path across the water. It's gorgeous, and sure, take a picture, but I wobbled and aborted mission before plunging sideways into the water. Word to the wise, waterproof everything. Your shoes and phone, mayhaps your butt. Mine got covered in dirt as I scooted down a hill after deciding not to follow the wooded path back to the car. It was lovely, but headed uphill, and my thighs are not ready for that kind of beautiful torture. One negative I'll note is that the driveway to get to the parking area, it's a two way, but if your car has love handles, exercise caution. It's a tight squeeze. That being said, worth the drive out, and worth the extra buck you'll spend on sunscreen and bug spray to avoid the negative consequences of a day in paradise.

Shauna M.

Large valley, with a lot of area to hike around. There are five parking lots (see the map https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/zoar-valley-cattaraugus?select=kzx0dkZm6QQ5BqPgK0A4rQ&reviewid=1CIc_xbuv_OG5stQmxdFdA) but I recommend the one furthest south at the base of the creek (Forty Road Parking Area 10229 Forty Rd, Gowanda, NY 14070). This isnt an easy trek, mainly due to the fact that you have to wade through the creek if you want to get anywhere. I highly recommend a walking stick for this to help give stability in the rapids, and there are going to be times of the year where the current is just too strong to cross, so plan your trip accordingly. There are a few trails within the woods you can follow, but nothing super well maintained, and we also had the misfortune of stepping on a wasps nest on the ground, so watch out for those too. There is very little or any cell service in the canyon, so always go with a buddy. The cliffs are pretty unstable, so I dont recommend walking alongside them, or at the top of them - people have died when they have lost their footing. I believe the other parking lots give you more access to the top of the cliffs, but I have only ever hiked the valley floor. I know I am making this sound like a death trap, but it really is a fabulous hike when the weather and creek conditions are favorable. Just remember to respect the potential dangers. And a first aid kit is always a good thing to have.

Tina B.

This was a really cool place to check out with the kids. Spent time walking, wading, and skipping stones off the Forty Street entrance. Went during the week and there was hardly anyone there. Would definitely visit again if back in the area!

Joy N.

My absolute fave hiking trail. Zoar Valley is a 1,400+ preserved lands which includes old forests growths, waterfalls, a beautiful valley and river to explore. This Fall my friend and I completed the Valentine Flat Road Trail. We picked the perfect fall day for our hike. The fall colors were lovely and made for great photos. Hiking guides marks this trail as easy but I would say that there are a few portions that I would consider moderate. There is one steep path that you need to tackle on your way back which is doable. The portion of the trail that could be challenging for some hikers is maneuvering through the muddy portions of the trail. You will need to watch your footing and be careful to select the safest path as you attempt to proceed through the trail so, make sure you have your hiking boots with you. Finally, I want to mention that there are portions of the trail that brings you to the highest points of the gorge (380 feet). Be careful not to get too close to the edge as there have been people who have fallen and died. But, don't let this stop you from exploring bc hiking near the edge is a choice not a requirement. You can hike the trails safely several feet from the edge of the cliffs. Cellular reception is weak in this area, but if you are using a fitness App or All Trails App the GBS will work. I highly recommend using a GBS on your hikes as you can always rely on it to help you on your way back just In case you hike off the trail or miss a marker. I have been to Zoar Valley many times and never get bored. Once you experience Valentine Flat you will need to come back and explore Forty Road and Deer Lick Trails for a different experience. Ps. I have heard but never witnessed first hand that on occasion you could run across some nudist while hiking up the river at Forty Road. I wanted to give everyone the heads up in case you it happens to be your lucky day!

South trail
Dennise R.

Can't wait to come back. I am thinking of playing hookie from work and coming on a beautiful sunny Tuesday. There is great hiking and swimming holes. From the parking are if u take the south trail on the adage by the edge of the creek you can find a lot of great swimming spots. On the north trail you can find some great looking waterfalls.

Orit D.

This place is gigantic, and gorgeous. We parked at the 40 point parking (free) and made our way into the trees. Immediately saw a small waterfall (I believe there are 40+) and then made our way down to the valley. We spent a good hour and a half walking through the valley part and did not even get to really hike, so we will have to return to hike the top. The valley itself was awesome. I was not sure what to expect so I wore running shoes, and as soon as we got into the valley part I had to switch back into my flip flops. We had to cross cross across the duration of the valley by stepping on rocks and walking through the water. It was a hot day so I didn't mind the cool water at all! Flip flops are in the garbage now but totally worth it. Be careful when you are standing near the walls of the valley, we almost got hit by falling debris off the top of the edge! We literally moved 10 seconds before a giant piece fell down right where we were standing! If you plan to come here - bring the right shoe(s), water, snacks and towels! We saw many people picnicking / with their dogs / settled in one spot. Good views for lunch and a walk for sure. Excited to go back and hike.

Directions to the hike through the creek at the Forty Road access point.
Laney H.

Creek hiking Great for kids & families if you hike in the creek and NOT down the gorge! Start at the bottom and stay at the bottom. Incredibly safe and really fun! Follow my directions below and it's great for families and kids. We went to the forty road access point parking lot and hiked through the creek down stream and loved it! We took 3 small children (ages 8,6,3) and it was fabulous. We played in the water, hiked around, built rock cairns and explored. Definitely wear durable water shoes or tennis shoes that you'll get wet in. I recommend a swimming suit or "get wet in" clothes (especially for little kids) so you can just enjoy the water and hike and not worry about getting too wet. It's not very dangerous but it is slippery and rocky so there will most likely be a few slips and falls. We followed the directions someone here on Yelp posted and we found it easily. I'll add those directions in a picture.

Maria B.

This place is super dangerous, no clear signs anywhere . I got lost, but found my way after 2 hours. Parks and recreation could do better. Beautiful place but not safe.

Zoar Valley: one of my favorite WNY getaways!
Ryan W.

As a girl who grew up hiking the canyons and mountains of the wild Southwest, I feel almost at home in the depths of Zoar Valley, a beautiful shale canyon with turquoise-blue waters and long stretches of inviting sand, perfect for picnics and sunbathing. You'd never know this hidden gem was less than an hour's drive from postindustrial Buffalo (which has its own kind of beauty, but c'mon. A girl's gotta see some real trees sometimes!) Once we found our way here*, we enjoyed a beautiful, leisurely stroll up the creek. It's so shallow and calm that we did, quite literally, hike in the creek quite a bit. After enjoying lunch on a sunny stretch of beach, we headed back, only to run into a few solemn-looking wildnerness workers who informed us that hiking upstream has now been banned, due to some purportedly dangerous waterfalls and such. We talked our way out of a ticket (apparently, trespassing upstream can cost you a couple hundred bucks), and made a note to hike only downstream from Forty Road. I also made a note to bring my Tevas next time for hiking in the cool water, and my dog! (We saw other hikers with their pups, and I know my best canine bud LOVES a good romp in the water.) Pro tip: after your hike, be sure to hit up Scoops in Gowanda. SO MANY FLAVORS of ice cream, and the folks on staff are pretty sweet, too. http://www.yelp.com/biz/scoops-gowanda As Hamburg's also on the way home, you can grab a lunch before you go, or a dinner afterwards. All in all, one of the best daytrips out of Buffalo I've taken so far! *The Audubon Society kindly provided us with the following instructions on finding the parking lot, which was still a bit tough (not their fault). Here are the instructions verbatim, for my fellow explorers' reference: "From the Buffalo area, take Rt. 62 south to Gowanda. From Ontario or Rochester, the NY Thruway takes you to Rt. 62 from Exit 58 at Hamburg. From points south of Gowanda, Rt. 17 will take you to Rt. 62 north or Rt. 353 north, both of which take you to Gowanda.Once in downtown Gowanda, where Rt. 62 crosses Cattaraugus Creek, turn east onto Water St., which parallels the creek along its south bank. As you follow it, the same street will change names before becoming labeled Broadway where it veers right. It will suddenly ascend a steep hill. Just at the top of the hill, watch carefully for Point Peter Rd. on your left! Take scenic Point Peter Rd. for 1.8 miles until you reach Forty Rd. Turn left on Forty Rd and drive to its end. This includes driving down a very steep but well-constructed paved road. In good weather, regular cars have no problem on this road. It takes you to the bottom of South Branch Cattaraugus Creek, where there is a parking area. (Caution: never drive down this road when there is ice or snow on it, or with a car that is in poor condition. It may be impossible to get back up.)"

Derrick C.

Just an hour outside of Buffalo, this gorgeous conservation area has everything that you need in a hike. A steam running through a massive valley, untouched paths formed entirely by nature, and tall peaks overlooking the entire park. I couldn't tell you anything about the path we took b/c there are no signs and you better go w/ someone who knows where they're going. Also, the waterfall is apparently on private property and off-limits to visitors but seems like ppl frequently sneak over there as long as security doesn't catch you. We were not so fortunate but the rest of the park was still worth the trip.

lots of places along the way to stick your toes into...wear appropriate footwear :)

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3 years ago

Pretty awesome. Picturesque and beautiful Another breathtaking sight. The sights and sounds of nature. God's creation!

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8 years ago

To get to the waterfall and swimming hole, park at the forty street entrance and go upstream about half a mile

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10 years ago

Great hike to the falls! Bring a towel and possibly change of clothes as well as shoes that can get wet!

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Eternal Flame Falls - Ravine, near to falls, along frozen creek.

Eternal Flame Falls

(65 reviews)

Coming in the winter, did NOT know what to expect. Ok we came In mid March but it has still been…read morereally cold and snowy. I came with my son, and my parents in their 60s. They are able bodied but not fit so I had no idea what to expect. I feel like a lot of the reviews I could find through Yelp, Facebook, Reddit and all trails were very mixed. A lot of people saying it's easy, my kids can do it, current conditions are not very icy, you don't need spikes, etc. and then a lot of it's a moderate hike, if you can't easily walk up 100 stairs you should not do it, very slippery, wear spikes, etc. We all survived. Some of us slipped a little on the icy areas, one fell a few times but no injuries. There are a lot of railings and tree bark to hold onto near the icy or technical areas. I would recommend spikes if it's icy to get a better grip. My son and I are probably beginner to intermediate hikers. For us this was a moderate hike. For an avid hiker this would be an easy hike. Strictly talking in icy, wet, snowy conditions. During dry weather I assume it's much easier. Still very doable if you are not super active as my parents are not. It was a really cool sight at the end and very beautiful scenery with all the snow. We actually had a great time and I was really worried about not being prepared enough and someone getting hurt which wasn't the case thankfully

Really enjoyed this trail! I'm not an avid hiker and this was easy enough for me. The trail is…read morestraight down and back and very easy to follow. There is plenty of parking and the signage was clear and easy to see. I went on a hot summer day and the creek bed was very dry so that also made it easy to hike. On days when it's more wet I'm sure it would be slippery so be sure to wear the correct gear.

Zoar Valley - parks - Updated May 2026

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