Allegany State Park Spring Events
Allegany State Park Spring Events
From “I Love My Park Day” to the “Raccoon Rally”, ASP has Something for the Whole Family to Enjoy
Photo Courtesy of ptny.org
The weather is improving (slowly), spring is here (somewhere) and the time to get outdoors is now! (Or later this week when the sun is out.) This is the season of gardening, picnicking and pre-bbq bbq-ing. There’s no better place to enjoy the outdoors than Allegany State Park. Located in Salamanca, NY, it’s just a stone's throw away from Ellicottville and is hosting a wealth of upcoming events.
You can visit the Quaker Run side of the park on May 6 for the “I Love My Park Day” event. This is the day when thousands of volunteers across NY state come together to clean up local parks and public lands. It’s actually the largest single-day volunteer event in the state! Volunteers will plant trees, restore trails and many other improvement projects to help prepare the park for the start of the season. So if you like to volunteer, this is the perfect event for you. Details and volunteer opportunities for this event can be found on ptny.org.
Also on May 6, on the opposite side of the Park in the Red House area, people who like to run will be gearing up for the Allegany Adventure Run. What’s an adventure run you ask? It’s a wild and challenging experience covering one of three courses (whichever suits your fitness level). There is a 5k, 13k and a 27k course through 100% forest trails. The 5k is good for those who would like to walk or run, the 13k is sure to get your lungs working and is good for experienced, non-technical trail runners, and the the granddaddy of them all, the 27k is a time limit imposed course perfect for those with a good deal of trail running experience. Course deets and available camping locations can be found at heartrateup.com.
Don’t worry though, it’s not just all work and no play at the park. May 20 is the annual Allegany State Park GeoBash. What began as a simple complimentary picnic in the park has grown into a large-scale event. (They even have a merch store, so you can remember the event with some neat swag like stickers and shirts.) Besides food and entertainment - pizza, pies, and the Stepping Stones Flashmob - there is also the chance to win a “Cooler of Goodness” loaded with items for the perfect camping trip - camp chairs, camp sink, camp toaster and more. Visit the Allegany State Park GeoBash Facebook page to keep up-to-date on anything new coming to the event.
I don’t think anyone can forget that this year is the 65th Allegany Nature Pilgrimage. This three-day outdoor learning experience combines fun with a variety of nature-based activities - an event for both experienced naturalists and inquisitive beginners alike. Held at “Camp Allegany” in the Red House area, registration is open now and you can grab early bird pricing through April 24. Guests must plan their own lodging and food and should always come prepared for the weather. (Sunscreen, sturdy footwear, umbrella, binoculars if you like, etc.) There are a variety of small-group programs throughout each day and in the evenings under the big tent, is where the keynote speakers will be located. A full schedule and a list of helpful things to pack can be found at alleganynaturepiligrimage.com.
A rather new event is the “Get Outdoors and Get Together Day” returning for its 2nd year on June 10 on the Quaker side beach. The Office for People with Developmental Disability and the New York State Parks have joined forces to offer a selection of accessible activities, along with the use of adaptive equipment so people of all abilities can enjoy a day outdoors. Entrance into the park will be free that day for anyone who would like to attend. There will be free games, guided fishing, hiking, archery and so much more. Don’t miss out… this is fun for everyone! Keep track of all activities offered at parks.ny.gov.
Last (for Spring season) but certainly not least is the “Raccoon Rally” happening on the Red House side of the park on June 18. As the longest standing mountain bike race in the region, this year's event will again start and end on the Allegany State Park Summit Trailhead. Kicking off at 10:00am, novice, beginner and sport and expert classes of bikers will battle it out for awards and prizes. There is also a free kid’s race, so bikers of all ages are welcome. The awards ceremony and raffle will be held after the race is over at the top of the summit as well. Register for the event at heartrateup.com.
Besides all of these great events, you can just visit the park daily for a nice cookout, fishing trip or relaxing nature hike. (The beach at Red House season is June 24-September 4, weather permitting.) Or you can always plan a fantastic camping trip between May 19 and October 28 and enjoy a few days away from technology. Some cabins even have electricity if you don’t want to totally rough it. For camping reservations and general information visit parks.ny.gov or call 716-379-6450.
No matter what you decide to do, you should definitely make it a point to pay the park a visit as soon as you can! Get outside… it’s good for you!
