The Enchanted Mountains … Naturally Yours

We are the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County in Southwestern New York, where beautiful scenery displays forested, rolling hills and clean, sparkling lakes, rivers and streams; quaint villages and friendly people, with events and activities for all interests.

ON THE MOVE … GET OUTDOORS!

Waiting for the snow to pile up? Here are some great activities you can enjoy once we do get that long awaited blanket of white on the ground:

Discover the tranquil setting of Allegany State Park. Rent a winterized cabin and spend your time by the fireside or go for a trek while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing; rentals are available. And for those of you that snowmobile, there are over 70 miles of trails in the park, including a new one that leads to the Seneca Allegany Casino. So it’s easy to enjoy your afternoon cruising around, then slide on down to the casino for an evening of games!

Cattaraugus County is home to an additional 350+ miles of snowmobile trails outside the park, giving you many opportunities to explore the areas as you criss-cross our county on your sled. (Call 1-800-331-0543 for current trail conditions.) Take your hike, snowshoe adventure or cross-country skiing outside the park as well. The Pat McGee Trail is a 12-mile multi-use trail that connects Salamanca and Cattaraugus; the Allegheny River Valley Trail travels around Allegany and Olean. You can also visit our nature centers such as Pfeiffer Nature Center where you can take a nature walk, learn to snowshoe, make recyclable bird feeders and learn about the environment in our area.

Visit Ellicottville, Holiday Valley and HoliMont where wintertime is an experience you’ll enjoy - skiing, boarding, tubing … après skiing experience … it’s all here in the location voted #4 by Ski Magazine readers. All reports are saying that this year Holiday Valley Resort has the best snow in the area! And for a different way to enjoy winter, try a new experience with a chilling, thrilling ride on the Mountain Coaster at Holiday Valley. This coaster is open all year round and travels 4,805 feet up and down the hillside beside the slopes.

SLOW DOWN THE PACE

Maybe you enjoy ice fishing? Take in this sport at Allegany State Park, Case Lake in Franklinville, Harwood Lake in Farmersville and many other locations in the county. How about ice skating at the indoor rink in Olean? Or sledding down the hillsides? You can participate in a number of winter activities all around the area.

Curious about geocaching? The weather has been so mild that people are still able to get out and about for this activity. There are two trails available for those that enjoy the fresh air and adventure of finding these hidden treasures. The Enchanted Mountains Geo Trail was launched in 2009 and now contains 32 caches all around Cattaraugus County. Receive a wooden nickel for each cache you discover. Find them all and get an Enchanted Mountain Geo Coin. In late 2011, The New York’s Amish Geo Trail was introduced with 12 caches placed along New York’s Amish Trail for cachers to discover. Receive a magnetic photo button for each cache you locate. Find 10 caches and receive a NY’s Amish Geo Trail trackable coin.

Don’t care if we have snow or not? Prefer the indoors this time of year? Then enjoy our museums, galleries and stage productions. Theater performances are available through Olean Community Theater or Olean Theater Workshop; enjoy the amazing talent when you see one of their productions. You can also visit the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, a world-class museum located on the campus of St. Bonaventure University. The museum is free, open to the public and in addition to its vast and changing exhibits, hosts performances throughout the year for your pleasure. Take in a Bonnie’s basketball game while you are in the area and root for the Atlantic 10 Conference’s men or women’s teams.

DINING AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Play all day, but don’t forget to make your dinner reservations at one of the many fine eating establishments in Olean, NY. Just a short drive away from Ellicottville, you can sample the tastes of a variety of dining. From the Beef ‘n Barrel to Mickey’s to Sprague’s Maple Farms, your taste buds will want you to return!

Just want to get away and relax? We have a wide variety of accommodations to please the most discriminating tastes. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend, girlfriends’ getaway or a luxurious spa getaway or daycation, grab a copy of the Enchanted Mountains Activities Guide or go online to http://www.EnchantedMountains.com and choose your place to stay, dine and play! Customize your very own getaway!

No matter what you choose for your relaxation, come find it in the Enchanted Mountains! Contact us at 1-800-331-0543, info@enchantedmountains.com or our website http://www.EnchantedMountains.com for more information.