Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails:
New York
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Description:
Though mostly a continuous system of trails from Sherman north to Brocton, some segments of the Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails system go by other names (see below). All the trails are primarily grassy but some portions are gravel or crushed stone. They are handicapped accessible but can be rough going in places. In addition, cycling is popular, though hybrids and mountain bikes might be better suited for travel than road bikes.

The scenic Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails travel through woodlands, wetlands and meadows, where wildflowers abound in spring and wildlife year-round, including beaver, turkey and deer. In winter the trail is popular with both cross-country skiers and snowmobilers; however, the trailhead parking lots are not plowed, so users must park along side roads.

The trail has two on-road portions, which skirt part of a rail bed: 1.47 miles along Hannum and Summerdale roads (west of Lake Chautauqua); 0.92 mile along Titus and Kendrick roads (near the southern terminus in Sherman). In addition, there's a short break in the trail north of Colt Road (near Brocton), and the trail picks up again at Ellicott Road.

The different segments of the Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails are as follows:

The Alison Wells Ney segment runs between Fuller Street in Brocton and Bliss Road. The Laurie Baer segment travels along a Niagara Mohawk right of way between Bliss and Plank roads, crossing an original railroad bridge.

The Nadine and Paul Webb Nature Trail extends 1 mile between State Routes 430 and 394. The pleasant trail passes through a wooded area and scattered farmland, ending at the Mayville lakefront at the northern end of Chautauqua Lake. Begin at Boxcar Barney's, a local ice cream and hot dog emporium. This portion also crosses an original railroad bridge. A short segment at the southern terminus in Sherman is locally called the Sherman Village–French Creek Nature Trail.

The Portage Trail takes off from the rail-trail at the north end of Lake Chautauqua and heads northwest at a diagonal to Quillan Road, 3.86 miles. The trail was used by Native Americans to carry their canoes from Lake Erie to Lake Chautauqua. Later, French trappers buried lead plates along the route and to Pittsburgh. Next, the railroad came followed by a trolley line.

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Parking & Trail Access:
You can access the Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails at several places along its route. In Sherman, park off Franklin Street just south of E. Main Street. There is minimal parking along Titus and Hannum roads. The Diggs trailhead is on Bentley Road, 100 yards from Hannum Road.

You can also park in Mayville at the depot at SR 394/S. Erie/Water streets. In Brocton, the trailhead is at Prospect Station Road, though the trail begins at Bliss Road. Between Brocton and Mayville, you can park near Lawson and Prospect roads; Fish/Barnes at Prospect Station; at Colt and Thayer roads; and at Village DPW Garages on Highland Avenue in Brocton.

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Too rough for most bikes
By jtorriani in July, 2010
I entered the trail on rt 394 Mayville and went west. The trail is poorly marked, there are no signs on rt 394 as to where the trail begins even though this is by the HQ of Chautauqua rails to Trail. I had to ask to find whre the trail began. The trail is extremely rough and in my opinion only suited for hiking and mountian biking(and snowmobileing which appears to be the main function of the trail)
The trail is heavily wooded which made for a good back country hike. Since the trail is quite long I feel at least part of it should be made suitable for road and hybred bikes. Use of graded crushed stone would do this while preserving the rural character of the trail.
Good trail near Mayville
By tmn4 in May, 2009
I entered this trail where it intersects 430/Chautauqua St., and ran North on the trail to Fish Rd. Nice trail for a run. Scattered gravel in some places is a little uncomfortable underfoot. There didn't seem to be a parking area on 430 (or at any of the other roads the trail intersects), but I didn't have any problems leaving my car on the side of the road. This trail and others nearby make up part of an extensive snowmobile trail network, check the Chautauqua Snowmobile Club if you're looking for other similar trails in the area.
by REL Sept 2008
By rel433 in September, 2008
Ditto last reviews re' absence of marking to find the Sherman trailhead. We did find an old-timer with local knowledge so we finally found the very small parking area.

While reviewing the trail map we were attacked by a swarm of stinging bees so decided that we weren't
in the mood any longer. The stings were painful!

We opted not to try to ride the path this day.
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Franklin St./SR 76 (Sherman) to E. Main/US 20 (Brocton)
Counties: Chautauqua
Trail Length: 28.56 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone, Gravel, Grass, Dirt, Concrete
Trail Activities: Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6032166

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