Any Time is Tee Time in the Enchanted Mountains
Photos Courtesy of the Catt. County Dept. of Tourism
Discover the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York, where golf enthusiasts can indulge in seven public, two miniature, and one private golf course. Whether you're aiming for a quick 9-hole game or a leisurely 18-hole round, you'll find top-tier golfing at affordable prices amidst stunning scenery.
Enjoy a memorable golf experience while exploring our picturesque county with breathtaking views - both on and off the course. Your group will also love the variety of activities available when it’s time to take a break from golfing.
FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
Explore numerous trails throughout the Enchanted Mountains, ideal for hiking or mountain biking. Allegany State Park, a pioneer in mountain biking in Western New York, also offers camping, swimming, and fishing in New York’s largest state park.
The Red House Area is known for the historic tudor-style Administration Building with everything centrally located around Red House Lake. Inside the Administration Building, you’ll find a natural history museum and a gift shop. Outside, you can access 5 miles of paved walking/biking paths. Bike and boat rentals are available. Relax on the sandy beach, challenge your friends to a volleyball game, or take a hike to some of Allegany State Park’s most notable landmarks.
Thunder Rocks is an impressive bedrock city that allows for the nature lover to see the hidden beauty that this park is known for. The Stone Tower structure shows vistas of the rolling hills of mature forests. The many beaver ponds are a good place to observe the diversity of wildlife located in the park.
An easy drive to Portville, New York will bring you to Pfeiffer Nature Center, which boasts breathtaking views of open fields, wildlife, and an American chestnut log cabin. Plan a summer hike on either of Pfeiffer’s two properties.
The Lillibridge Property consists 188 acres and 6 miles of hiking trails. One of the trails on this property is handicapped-accessible. It is home to a national & state-registered historic cabin and is one of the largest privately held and easily accessible tracts of old-growth forest in our region.
The Eshelman Property covers 488 acres and has nearly 4 miles of trails through wetlands and secondary growth forest. Historically a small farm, this property has a variety of habitat, successional forest, wetlands, and mixed areas. Birders especially enjoy this property during migration events.
Other note-worthy hiking destinations include the renowned North Country Trail and Finger Lakes Trail which traverse our county. And let’s not forget Rock City Park, Little Rock City, and Thunder Rocks; each invites visitors to navigate trails around massive quartz conglomerate formations. Search any of the above for additional information.
ART AND RELAXATION
Griffis Sculpture Park of East Otto, NY combines art and nature! Since the early 60s, the steel sculptures of Larry Griffis, Jr. and other international artists have been residing in the woods, fields, and even ponds of Griffis Sculpture Park. The 450-acre Ashford Hollow Park is not only a tremendous regional attraction, but it holds the distinction of being one of America’s largest and oldest sculpture parks.
The park features over 250 large-scale sculptures dispersed through miles of hiking trails. Each sculpture was placed with the natural setting in mind, creating a truly unique experience between art and nature. Climb, pose with, and admire these remarkable sculptures. Attend exciting events like the Annual Summer Music Festival August 18th, and Night Lights in the fall.
TAKE TO THE OPEN ROAD
Experience our landscapes by motorcycle with suggested routes like the 77-mile Heritage Ride, passing Zoar Valley Gorge, Ellicottville, and Salamanca. Request a free guide with detailed routes and descriptions.
Looking to slow down your pace? Travel along New York's Amish Trail on the western side of Cattaraugus County, from Randolph to Gowanda - a place where you can take a step back in time and enjoy a simpler way of life. The Amish Trail is a self-guided tour through our Amish area, including the town of Leon which is the largest Old-Order Amish community in the United States. These people have resisted innovations and live without electricity, phones, cars and other modern conveniences. Follow their hand-painted signs to their businesses, usually located in their homes. You can stop at their shops and purchase quilts, furniture or baked goods any day except Sunday. Visit AmishTrail.com for a free map and brochure.
Embark on a golf getaway and discover so much more in the Enchanted Mountains! For a complete list of events or to request a FREE activities guide, visit EnchantedMountains.com.