Chautauqua Rails to Trails

Chautauqua Rails to Trails Mission of Rails to Trails is to: acquire, develop and maintain multi-purpose recreational trails on or near abandoned railroad corridors for public use.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY is blessed with over 30 miles beautiful unused rail corridors winding through picturesque countryside and villages and trucks, railroads were essential for transportation and for moving agricultural and manufactured goods and supplies through rural areas. In recent decades, railroads have abandoned most of their lines serving rural areas. In an era preceding paved roads and mecha

nically reliable cars, Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails is preserving these abandoned rail corridors for conversion into safe off-road trails for recreational use: walking, running, hiking, bicycling, cross country skiing, bird watching (over 170 species identified) and horseback riding. These trails provide public access from towns like Mayville, Brocton, and Sherman through scenic woodlands, wetlands and flowering meadows, offering trail users opportunities to observe the plants, animals and birds found in areas otherwise remote from highways and roads. The trails are available for outdoor recreational activities and environmental study for the public at large and for group outings sponsored by schools, scouts, churches and service organizations.

Yes folks, we are continuing our yearly mowing , however with the rain and storms, we got knocked back again. We have ha...
05/25/2026

Yes folks, we are continuing our yearly mowing , however with the rain and storms, we got knocked back again. We have had a drop off in volunteers willing and able to clear the trail with chainsaws. This delays the clearing which delays the mowing .. we hope that this week's dry weather and the dedication of our remaining chainsaw volunteers, we can get Brocton to Sherman mowed later this week. If you enjoy the trails and are comfortable around bucking up blow downs, email [email protected] if you are willing to help out throughout the season.

A few of our current trail stewards do remove blockages, however others are unable to, and for our mowing contractor to commit to a 10 hour day of mowing, the trail must be clear. If you live near the trail and are able to help reach out to us.

Trail mowing season will be starting soon!As you’re out enjoying the trails, if you see any small limbs or branches on t...
05/17/2026

Trail mowing season will be starting soon!

As you’re out enjoying the trails, if you see any small limbs or branches on the path, please feel free to move them off to the side. For larger limbs, downed trees, or anything that may be unsafe, please leave it to the pros and let us know so we can take care of it safely.

Thank you for helping keep the trails clear and enjoyable for everyone!

The Cosponsored hike for May 16th will be on the Eastside Overland trail outside Gerry NY. Meet at the parking area at ...
05/14/2026

The Cosponsored hike for May 16th will be on the Eastside Overland trail outside Gerry NY. Meet at the parking area at 9:30am. We will be walking toward Gerry. There is a parking lot at the corner of Gerry-Ellington Rd and Harris Hill Rd. The hike should be mostly wooded. A lot of work has been done on the trail in the past couple of years. If you use hiking poles, bring them along. Everyone welcome, bring a friend if you want. See you then!

If you are coming down Rt 60 from Fredonia, turn left at the blinking light in Gerry. If you are coming from Jamestown on Rt 60 go straight through the blinking light. Continue on Gerry - Ellington Rd until you reach the parking lot on the left. It's a few miles.

Eileen Campbell
Chautauqua County Hiking Club

Judy Takats
Rails to Trails

Thank you to all the Brocton Middle and High School students who made such a big difference by helping clean up the stre...
05/13/2026

Thank you to all the Brocton Middle and High School students who made such a big difference by helping clean up the stretch of trail in Brocton!

We truly appreciate your kindness, hard work, and community spirit on Better World Day. You helped make the trail a cleaner, brighter place for everyone to enjoy!

While restocking trail maps and guides today, we found this sweet painted rock near one of the shelters. What a perfect ...
05/07/2026

While restocking trail maps and guides today, we found this sweet painted rock near one of the shelters. What a perfect reminder of what time on the trail can do.

There’s nothing quite like a spring day on the trail!The trees are leafing out, the birds are singing, and Chautauqua Ra...
05/02/2026

There’s nothing quite like a spring day on the trail!

The trees are leafing out, the birds are singing, and Chautauqua Rails to Trails is ready for your next walk, run, ride, or peaceful moment outdoors.

Whether you have ten minutes or a whole afternoon, we hope you’ll take some time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of the trails right here in Chautauqua County.

See you on the trail!

12/24/2025

Address

PO Box 151
Mayville, NY
14757

Telephone

(716) 753-2800

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chautauqua Rails to Trails posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category