May 15, 2024
Allegany State Park

Crafted by the mighty ice age glaciers, the Enchanted Mountains have sculpted the picturesque uplands of Western New York. Step into a realm of natural wonder and immerse yourself in our rolling farmlands, dense forests, vibrant communities, meandering waterways, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas!

The Enchanted Mountains

The Enchanted Mountains encompass a large area with a variety of great activities for everyone from the largest NY state park to the largest private ski resort in North America. From foodies to mountain biking, here are a few itineraries for a fun-filled trip!

Trails

Whether on foot, by bike, or on a horse, the Enchanted Mountains offer nine different trails to enjoy and explore, with many trails offering offshoots. One of the most versatile trails, the Allegany State Park Trail, is open for regular hiking, mountain biking (and fat biking), and horse riding along its 18 hiking trails. During winter, this trail is also open for snowmobiling and snowshoeing hikes. Six of the nine trails are accessible to horses, and most if not all are open to hiking and walking!

Adventure

For the thrill-seekers, the mountains beckon with adrenaline-pumping adventures such as whitewater rafting along the Cattaraugus River and the Sky High Adventure Park boasting 13 tree-top rappel courses catering to varying skill levels. Dive into the spring whitewater rafting season in Zoar Valley, kicking off in March and extending through May or June. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to navigate the rapids amidst cascading waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes before the water levels recede.

Get On the Water

If you prefer easy-going fun on the water, the Enchanted Mountains are proud to offer kayaking, canoeing, sailing, boating, and fishing. Canoeing and kayaking are some of the biggest attractions of the region, with several bodies of water to enjoy that may not be accessible to larger water vehicles. That being said, the Allegheny River and surrounding bodies of water are wide and deep enough for visitors to bring their own boats!

However you choose to enjoy the waters, the eight public lakes and 22 rivers and streams offer plenty of opportunities for fishing. Pick up a fishing license at one of our local establishments or purchase via phone call on the way to your new favorite fishing spot!

Events

After enjoying the natural beauty of the Enchanted Mountains, partake in the local culture through local community events. Some local events coming soon include Heritage Day at the Seneca Iroquois National Museum, Olean’s Music in the Park series, Randolph’s 50th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, and the classic car show at Ellicottville Distillery.

Local events are also a great opportunity to explore the local culinary scene and discover your new favorite locally-made foods, brews, and spirits.

Preparing for an Enchanting Trip

Preparing for any trip requires organization, but if you plan to bring your camper, bike, kayak, or horse and trailer to enjoy the Enchanted Mountains, you’ll need something with power to tow all your comforts and necessities. Did you know that a variety of 2024 and 2025 car models have great towing capacity with much more efficient mileage?

At Rick Bokman Buick GMC Cadillac, we can help you find the right vehicle for you so you can fill your summer with adventure. Whether you’re an avid camper or an accomplished horseback rider, we’ll equip you with a car with the right cargo space, towing capability, and roof racks so you can bring everything into nature!