Zoar is enjoyed by people pursuing challenging outdoor activities and people seeking a quiet respite among nature. On any given day you can set out on a group rafting or kayaking trip, cheering each other on as you navigate the rapids (up to Class III), or you can don waders and find a solitary eddy, casting a fly rod in search of a struggle with a steelhead running upstream from Lake Erie. Hikers on gentle foot paths and rugged canyon descents, deer on cliffs, bird watchers in meadows, beaver around ponds, nature observers taking it all down, paddlers floating leisurely in canoes, scientists collecting data, photographers scrambling for vantage points, families at S. Branch swimming holes, artists and poets finding inspiration, all under the wing of a Red-Shouldered Hawk on the wind, a Bald Eagle soaring over ancient forests.

I recall the first time I visited Zoar, taken there in one of those "You have to see this place!" adventures. The instant I looked up at the canyon walls from my creek-walk vantage point, shale and limestone cliffs rising as high as 400 hundred feet and covered with magnificent, huge, old, beautiful trees, I was enthralled. The first time I went to Zoar from the water, paddling into the main gorge canyon in a canoe, my jaw dropped and my paddle came out of the water so I could drift slowly and take it all in. What a stunningly beautiful, majestic sight, like a place altogether different from the vistas I had grown to love from the upland vantage points. In the way that every trip to Zoar brings added wonder, this experience deepened my connection and there was no going back; though in another sense, there was nothing but going back.

Of the hundreds of people I've met who enjoy Zoar, I don't know anyone who has only been there once. And many are those who have been returning for decades. The thing that strikes me most about Zoar enthusiasts is that they tend to know a whole lot about Zoar. Knowledge about the natural environment pours out of them, facts about Zoar's history tumble out, laughter accompanies their anecdotes, and they retell their escapades always with a tinge of pride. People love Zoar Valley. People make it a point to learn about Zoar Valley. Their wonder, excitement, and fondness come naturally with the bond they inevitably form with this wild place.

Yes, definitely, Explore Zoar.

Julie Broyles
Zoar Valley Nature Society
(716) 380-1430
julie@zoarvalley.org

Cattaraugus Creek Outfitters. Guided fishing trips, streamside cabin rental and more http://www.cattarauguscreekoutfitters.com

Here in Western New York we are blessed with some of the best freshwater fishing in North America! The steelhead, brown trout, & lake-run rainbow trout fishing in the tributaries of Lake Erie provides anglers with world class action during the spring and fall runs. These fish range from 4-12 lbs and offer great sport to fly anglers. The best part is that these fish are found in beautiful places. If you put a premium on catching fish in beautiful, unspoiled surroundings, come fish with us.

Western New York has many wild, secluded streams where you can fish in solitude and enjoy nature. It's not uncommon to see bald eagles, deer, turkey, and fox while fishing under the canopy of old growth forest. We have access to many areas that are lightly fished, and also have private property located on Cattaraugus creek in Zoar Valley where the steelhead fishing, as well as the scenery, is inspiring.

The fish start entering the Cattaraugus in September, with October & November being the prime fall months. The fishing remains excellent well into December as long as the stream stays ice-free. The other Lake Erie tributaries also turn on in October and November, and provide a good alternative to the Catt for those seeking a change of pace.

Spring is also a great time to catch steelhead in Western New York. March thru May finds our area streams full of both fresh fish and ones that have completed their spawning ritual and are dropping back to the lake where they'll spend the summer. The fresh fish, as well as the "drop back" fish, are hungry, very aggressive, and are excellent fighters. They love to chase streamers!

"God does not deduct from man's allotted time the hours spent fishing."

Zoar Valley Paddling Club. A non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting and practicing proper paddling and safety, organizing and holding club activities and events (regattas, trips, skills classes), aiding in river protection and conservation, and introducing river sport to new members. Check out http://www.zoarvalley.com because from the water is the best way to see Zoar!

Zoar Valley Canoe & Rafting Company. For those who want to experience Western New York's hidden gem, Zoar Valley, white water rafting on the mighty Cattaraugus is the perfect springtime activity. You'll view rugged cliffs hundreds of feet high, waterfalls (both free falling and hidden by old growth stands of oak, hemlock and tulip) and nesting bald eagles, and you'll experience the finest white water west of the Adirondacks. A variety of runs are offered in different seasons and for different skill levels. Check out http://www.zoarvalleyrafting.com

Buffalo Hike Club. A free group for outdoorsy types in and around Buffalo, New York. Over 200 members enjoying hikes in beautiful and adventurous places all over Western New York. Check out http://www.buffalohikeclub.com for info.

Foothills Trail Club. The Foothills Trail Club was founded in 1962 by hikers and outdoors enthusiasts who wanted to build a trail from Allegany State Park to Lake Ontario. This trail is called the Conservation Trail, extending 177 miles from Pennsylvania to Niagara Falls where it connects with Canada's Bruce Trail. The southernmost 50 miles of the Conservation Trail are also part of the Finger Lakes Trail which extends across the Southern Tier from Allegany State Park to the Catskills. The Foothills Trail Club is affiliated with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference which oversees the Finger Lakes Trail. This section of the trail is also within the corridor for the North Country Scenic National Trail which is to stretch from New York to North Dakota. The club also belongs to the American Hiking Society's alliance of hiking organizations. Check out http://www.foothillstrailclub.org

Adirondack Mountain Club. The Niagara Frontier Chapter of ADK has over 700 members who support the Mission of The Adirondack Mountain Club both in the Forest Preserve and in Western New York. ADK offers a variety of outings and programs. Join in and share our joy and knowledge of outdoor recreation, including overnight camping, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, bicycling... and much more. Attend monthly meetings for information, fun and camaraderie. http://www.adk.org/chapters/niagra.aspx