New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the start of construction on a new, accessible trail at the Zoar Valley Unique Area in northern Cattaraugus County. Construction activities and planned improvements are part of a two-phase project that will begin this month with an anticipated completion and full re-opening to the public in 2025.

“Construction of the new Memorial Trail, as well as the upgrades and improvements already completed or actively underway, underscore DEC’s commitment to remembering those who have lost their lives at Zoar Valley while also making this special place safer and more accessible for all visitors,” Commissioner Seggos said. “These enhancements will help visitors of all abilities enjoy Zoar’s beautiful vistas from a safe distance while also protecting one of Western New York’s most scenic and ecologically diverse areas.”

To develop the plans for the Memorial Trail, DEC worked with several families of those who lost their lives at Zoar Valley, as well as other local stakeholders, to share ideas and solicit input to help ensure safe access. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by June 2024; the second phase of the project is anticipated to be complete in 2025.

Nature’s Way Contracting, an environmental, construction, and contracting company based in the town of Alden, Erie County, was awarded the State contract to perform phase one construction activities through a formal bid process. Phase one improvements will include trail construction work to replace the former Overlook Trail with the new Memorial Trail built to federal accessibility standards and designed to keep visitors on the trail and a safe distance from the gorge. 

Improvements will also include the installation of four viewing areas at scenic locations along the trail, as well as the installation of split-rail fencing along portions of the trail to maintain a safety setback. The project's first phase will also include the installation of a culvert to improve drainage and protect water quality at the site. 

The second phase will reconstruct the Valentine Flats Trail to improve emergency access from the parking area to the creek and enable access for emergency vehicles. The Valentine Flats parking area and trail will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. Other access points, including Forty Road in the town of Persia, and the Holcomb and Ross Pond areas, will remain open to visitors throughout construction. During construction, the Valentine Flats parking area will be used for staging of construction equipment and storage.

To ensure visitors to Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area and Unique Area are aware of potential risks and the need to prepare, DEC continues its comprehensive efforts to improve visitor experience and public safety. Enhanced safety messaging and updated maps and information are available at DEC’s  Zoar Valley MUA webpage, including important Tips for Visitors to Zoar Valley MUA and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

New Yorkers are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands at Zoar Valley and all natural spaces by practicing Leave No Trace^TM principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level.

For more information and for updates on trail and parking closures, please visit DEC's website.  DEC also encourages visitors to consider accessing other state properties across Western New York.