The first ever Chautauqua County Trails Day will take place on Saturday, June 21. Photo by Bethany O’Hagan

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been admiring the lush, vibrant green that’s taken over our landscape thanks to this wet spring — all while wishing the rain would give us a break so we can hit the trails! After a winter full of epic snow for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, it’s time to gear up for the next season of outdoor fun. And here in Chautauqua County, we are spoiled with choices.

Did you know there are over 700 miles of trails weaving through our region? Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing — we’ve got it all. And behind this incredible network is a powerhouse coalition: the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG). This passionate group brings together snowmobile clubs, Chautauqua Rails to Trails, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC), WNY Mountain Bicycling Association (WNYMBA), Friends of Panama Horse and Nature Trails, Boutwell Hill Ski Club, Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, the City of Jamestown, and more — all with one goal: protecting and enhancing our trails. The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) helps support this collaboration.

Now, for the exciting part: On June 21st, the FCCG invites you to join us for the inaugural Chautauqua County Trails Day!

Mark your calendars — this first day of summer is going to be packed with adventure, discovery, and connection to nature. Whether you’re a trail veteran or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone:

– Try mountain biking on one of the county’s exhilarating single-track trails.

– Saddle up and experience our dedicated equestrian paths.

– Paddle a serene stretch of the Marden E. Cobb Waterway Trail in a kayak or canoe.

– Explore birding hotspots with expert guides.

– Or join a relaxed, family-friendly hike through lush forest trails.

You’ll find full event listings and updates at: www.choosechq.com/chqtrailsday

(Note that activities are still being added, and trail/weather conditions may affect schedules – so check with hosting groups for the latest details.)

Highlights from the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy on Trails Day include:

– 8:00 AM – Bird Walk at Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park. This birding hotspot is a certified stop on the NYS Birding Trail! Join expert guides Devin Banning and Katelyn Davis from the Chautauqua-Warren Birding Association for a morning of finding fantastic feathered friends.

– Starting at 1:00 PM – Guided Kayak Trips on Cassadaga Creek. Paddle a scenic 3-mile route from Kabob to CWC’s Kyle’s Landing Preserve at Red Bird Corners. Bring your own kayak or canoe. We’ll have a few extras on hand, plus a shuttle service to bring you back to your starting point.

– 3:00 PM – Family-Friendly Nature Walk at Dobbins Woods Preserve in Ashville. Explore the beauty of this peaceful preserve with guides who’ll help kids and adults alike connect with the wonders of the forest.

With so many free, fun, and family-friendly activities happening all across the county, this is your chance to discover (or rediscover) the incredible trail adventures waiting in your own backyard. We’re thrilled to celebrate this community-powered network and can’t wait to see you out there!

And don’t worry — the rain will be gone by then… probably.

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve and enhance the quality, scenic beauty, and ecological health of the Chautauqua region’s lands and waters for our community. For more information, visit chautauquawatershed.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.