West NY News

Residents and visitors interested in hiking, biking, riding, or rowing Chautauqua County’s 250+ miles of trails now have new resources to help plan their trips. The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), in collaboration with Chautauqua County Government and the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) group, has released a new interactive trails map and mobile application available at CHQTrails.org.

Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Coordinator, noted the increased interest in local trails since the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we witnessed more trail users exploring our trails, many for the first time, we also heard a renewed interest in a trail map that would provide information for trail users of varied experience and ability,” Bodway said. “I think that the new countywide trail map does that and more.”

The online map allows users to explore hundreds of miles of trails throughout the county. It enables them to select and view trails based on specific activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and kayaking. Users can also filter trails by land ownership and access information on trail surfaces, lengths, parking options, and images of trailheads.

“It’s the perfect ‘one-stop-shop’ for trail users who want to spend a weekend or longer exploring the trails in the county,” Bodway explained. “The map really is a game changer and will give users all of the information that they need to make an itinerary for their next outdoor adventure in Chautauqua County.”

The mobile application can be downloaded from Avenza, which uses GPS technology to show real-time location even without cell reception. Several maps have been added to Avenza including Boutwell Hill, Harris Hill, North Harmony State Forests; Long Point State Park; Audubon Community Nature Center; and Cassadaga Lakes. These maps are also available on other third-party apps like Trailforks, All Trails, and MTB Project. PDF versions can be viewed or printed from CHQTrails.org.

Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO emphasized that these tools align with efforts to promote Chautauqua County as a destination for outdoor recreation. "We have such incredible outdoor recreation assets," said Geise. "These maps not only help our county market itself as a tourism destination for outdoor enthusiasts but help our own residents discover all we have to offer."

Funding for this project came from The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. CCPEG selected Barton & Loguidice and Adirondack Research following an RFP process involving 15 proposals.

“The countywide trails map is the culmination of what happens when trail user groups work together to achieve a common goal,” noted Bodway. Plans are underway to provide print copies of individual maps along with signage along trails promoting these resources.

For more information about CCPEG visit CHQPartnership.org.

For more details about FCCG visit CHQTrails.org.

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