Bemus Point to open overland/blue water trail system in 2027
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BEMUS POINT – The Village of Bemus Point’s Board of Trustees and the Strategic Plan Oversight Committee are about to launch their connecting overland trail system and blue-water navigable trails.
"The two leadership bodies have actively pursued the implementation of objectives identified in our Strategic (Comprehensive) Plan," said Jeff Molnar, Bemus Point mayor. "The committee worked through 30 goals, used community engagement, and reduced them to a short list of six that they felt were attainable in the short term. We were fortunate to receive a grant to hire a consultant to create a master implementation plan."
Molnar explained that the consultant recommended initially implementing the first four goals, which related to a comprehensive integrated walking and bicycling loop/trail system, wayfinding and historical signage, and an informational kiosk or display located in the heart of the village. The priority was to connect our neighborhoods to our natural resources & trails, to create a sense of place, and to encourage easily located healthy outdoor activity for locals and tourists alike. An additional advantage is that these amenities boost and expand our economic growth by continuing to showcase the Village, the Town, and our region as a year-round destination for enthusiasts interested in recreation, history, and fitness.
"One proposed improvement is to establish connections between the village and town and the trail systems of Long Point State Park, as well as to Stow and Tom’s Point (seasonally accessible via the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry), including integration with established Bike Town route networks. This initiative would further enhance our regional influence," Molnar said.
Listed here is a general description of some of the soon-to-be-constructed Bemus Point Integrated Trail System.
-Historic Trail Loop: 1.5-mile loop, developed by the Bemus Point Historical Society, celebrates the Village’s heritage by guiding visitors through significant sites that tell the story of Bemus Point’s growth, its role in regional tourism, and its deep connection to Chautauqua Lake. A digital trail map and a deep dive into each location’s history will accompany the loop and can be accessed through QR codes displayed on each of the (17) historical markers along the trail. Landmarks like the Hotel Lenhart and the historic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry remain enduring symbols of the Village’s legacy.
– The Village Stroll: .7-mile loop is designed for visitors seeking a quick yet meaningful exploration of Bemus Point’s most iconic historic features. Ideal for families, casual walkers, or those with limited time. Both trails are adaptive, inclusive, and welcoming to a wide range of visitors. The Village Park and the Fish Hatchery (DEC boat launch) will have informational way-finding signs displaying the trail map and other amenities.
-The Lakeside Drive Bemus Point Trail and South Frontage Greenway: Lakeside Drive
is one of the Village’s most defining corridors, running along the Eastern edge of
Chautauqua Lake, linking the downtown core to Long Point State Park. This .7 mile
trail follows an existing paved roadway and offers scenic views of the lake and
connects neighborhoods to the Village downtown area, allowing for enhanced viewing of the area.
-The Paddle Trail and Blueway: This paddling course takes you along the waterways between Long Point State Park and Ellery, with several historic and keystone center locations along the way for viewing, including The Lawson Center, The Village Casino, the NYS DEC Boat Launch location, and others.
"We received two grants to make these projects come to fruition," said Molnar. "The Chautauqua Region Development Corporation (CRDC) and the Chautauqua Region Economic Development (CRED) Corporation have been wonderful partners on these projects. Without their aid and support, we'd never have gotten this off the ground."
Molnar reported that after a very successful second season of the Bemus Point Farmers’ Market, he hopes the upcoming launch of the new trail systems will also be a boon for the lakefront village.
"Brittany Mulkins, our village clerk, did an outstanding job this year with our Farmers' Market," he said. "Several local small business owners have reported that on days the market was open, they experienced increases in sales. I’m hoping the integrated trail system will continue making our village a stopping and destination point for tourists, helping it to grow economically."