Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area/Natural Resource Protection Area
Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Zoar Valley?

Driving directions to each of the five trailheads can be found on the Explore Zoar page of this site.

Is there a park entrance or Ranger station?

There is no main entrance.  There are five access points/parking areas for the different trailheads – two in Erie County (North Rim Zoar) and three in Cattaraugus County (Valentine Pt., Forty Road (Gowanda) and Forty Road (North Otto).  Check
the Explore Zoar page of this site for directions
and maps. 

While there is no Ranger station and there are no on-site personnel, Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Officers do patrol the area.

Is camping allowed in Zoar Valley?

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s rules for Zoar Valley permit access from sunrise to sunset only.  No camping is permitted.  The DEC cites concerns about safety and rescue operations after dark in the gorge system.  There are several camping options within a few miles of Zoar.  Check the Explore Zoar page of this site for nearby camping facilities, including tent, cabin, camper, and primitive camping options.

Are dogs allowed in Zoar Valley?

Yes.

Are there marked trails?

The only blazed trail on the public land is the North Rim trail accessible from either of the two DEC parking area/trailheads on the Erie County side.  This is an orange blazed trail.  There are several well-worn but unmarked trails at the other trailheads.  Directions to the trailheads can be found on the Explore Zoar page of this site.

The Nature Conservancy’s Deer Lick Preserve does have five blazed trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty.  Deer Lick is adjacent to the Zoar public land on the Gowanda/Cattaraugus side.  Directions to Deer Lick can be found on the Explore Zoar page of this site.  Deer Lick has trail maps available in their information kiosk at the trailhead.

Who runs Zoar Valley?

Zoar Valley is public land operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  Check out the DEC’s website for a copy of their Unit Management Plan for Zoar.  http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/22552.html

Is Zoar Valley a State Park?

Zoar Valley’s Unique Area (1,492 of the total 2,927 acres) was made a part of New York State’s Nature and Historical Preserve Trust by a law signed into effect on July 3, 2007.  This means the protected land in Zoar Valley receives New York’s highest level of public land protection.  The remaining 1,435 acres are classified as a Multiple Use Area.  Details on how the DEC manages Zoar for wildlife, passive recreation, etc. can be found in the DEC’s Unit Management Plan at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/22552.html

Can we go to The Falls/Big Falls?

This area is private property.  In fact, you would have to trespass for roughly a mile off the public land to go there.  An educational outreach and trespassing enforcement program is currently in force.  What was formerly known as The Falls, or the Big Falls, has been dedicated as the Rodger Sweetland Memorial Preserve by the Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York, Inc.  Please click here for the NSSWNY’s FAQ on the issue.  Check the Explore Zoar page of this site for more information on NSSWNY’s educational outreach and trespassing enforcement program.