The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the entire Memorial Trail off the Valentine Flats parking lot and the Valentines Flats Trail in the Zoar Valley Unique Area in the town of Persia, Cattaraugus County, are closed effective immediately due to storm damage. The trails are closed until further notice while repairs are completed to the damaged sections.

The Valentine Flats parking lot will remain open. Other access points to the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area and Unique Area, including at Forty Road, as well as the Holcomb Pond, and Ross Pond will remain open to visitors. Please read and be familiar with the important visitor safety information prior to visiting.

For more information, go to DEC’s Zoar Valley website.

DEC also encourages visitors to consider accessing other State properties across Western New York and to Love Our New York Lands all year by practicing Leave No Trace™ principles by recreating safely and sustainably and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level. Find the next adventure using DECinfo Locator - an interactive map full of hiking trails, parking areas, campsites, lean-tos, conservation easements, and other information to help plan a hike on State-managed lands.