Nov. 17 is National Take a Hike Day - a perfect excuse to get outside and stretch your legs, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with the landscapes that sustain us right here in Chautauqua County.

Every November 17, outdoor enthusiasts across the country lace up their boots for National Take a Hike Day–a perfect excuse to stretch your legs, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with the landscapes that sustain us. It’s a celebration of the outdoors and a reminder of the mental and physical benefits that come from simply walking in nature. Here in Chautauqua County, few organizations embody that spirit better than the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC), whose network of preserves and trails offers year-round opportunities to experience the best of Western New York’s wild beauty.

Since its founding in 1990, CWC has worked tirelessly to protect and restore the lands that safeguard our clean water, wildlife habitat, and community well-being. Today, the Conservancy owns or manages more than 40 nature preserves totaling over 1,300 acres across the county–from tranquil forested hillsides and wildflower meadows to peaceful wetlands and lakefronts. Many of these protected places feature public trails that invite hikers, birdwatchers, hunters, photographers, and quiet nature seekers alike.

Take a stroll through the Bentley Nature Preserve or Naetzker Preserve, where towering trees filter runoff and stabilize hillsides and floodplains. Dobbins Woods Preserve, just outside Lakewood, offers a short but immersive walk through mature hardwood forest–perfect for a lunchtime break or a family outing. For those craving more adventure, Brown’s Creek Preserve and Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park feature trails that wind through rolling terrain, revealing lakes, beaver ponds, stands of evergreens, and in autumn, fiery foliage reflected in still waters.

But hiking is just one of many ways to enjoy CWC’s preserves. It’s also important to remember that National Take a Hike Day coincides with hunting season. Responsible hunting is allowed on many CWC properties, aligning with the Conservancy’s mission to maintain balanced and healthy ecosystems. Hunters who obtain written permission from CWC help manage wildlife populations and support conservation goals while continuing a long-standing outdoor tradition. Anglers will find excellent fishing along creeks and ponds on select properties, while birders and photographers can enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters–especially during spring and fall migrations.

Every season brings its own reason to explore. In spring, ephemeral wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Summer trails offer shady escapes and dragonflies skimming across ponds. In fall, the woods glow with color. And in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing transform the preserves into peaceful wonderlands. No matter the time of year, a CWC preserve is never far away–and each visit deepens appreciation for the land and water that define our region.

As we celebrate National Take a Hike Day, CWC reminds everyone that enjoying these lands also means helping to protect them. Donations and volunteers helping with trail work and other preserve maintenance ensure that these habitats remain open, healthy, and vibrant for generations to come.

So, on November 17–or any day you need a breath of fresh air–head out to one of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy’s preserves. Take a hike, watch for wildlife, cast a line, or simply pause to listen to the wind in the trees. These lands are a gift to the community–a living reminder that conservation and recreation truly thrive hand in hand.

Things to remember before you go:

– Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Remember:hunting is allowed on many CWC preserves–be visible and wear blaze orange.

– Keep dogs leashed and make sure your furry friends wear orange too.

– Bring water, snacks, and good company.

– Check trail conditions ahead of time and be tick-aware (even when mosquitoes are gone).

– Learn more about CWC preserves at www.chautauquawatershed.org.

– For hunting information, contact bethany@chautauquawatershed.org.

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.