Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park is a large state park in western New York, established in the early 20th century and noted as the largest state park in New York. It is organised into two primary sections with extensive forest, ridges, and recreational lakes.

The park is known for its lakes, camping, and trail networks - visitors use the park for boating on Red House Lake and Quaker Lake, fishing, hiking on more than 100 miles of trails, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. There are multiple campgrounds, cabins, and picnic areas spread across the two main areas.

The park was created by New York State in the 1920s and developed further during the 1930s with work by conservation programs that added roads, trails, and facilities. Over time it has been managed for both conservation of forested lands and public recreation.

Allegany State Park sits in southwestern New York State near the towns of Salamanca and Olean, straddling hilly, forested terrain in Cattaraugus County close to the Pennsylvania border. The landscape is mixed hardwood forest with ridges and several man-made lakes.

• Recreation: Extensive year-round recreational options include camping, over 100 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, and designated cross-country ski routes in winter.
• Visitor facilities: Facilities include drive-in and walk-in campgrounds, cabin rentals, picnic areas, and boat launches at the main lakes.

What to See #

• Main sections: Located in two major sections commonly called the Red House Area and the Quaker Area, each with lakes, campgrounds, and trail networks.
• Lakes: Home to multiple lakes including Red House Lake and Quaker Lake, both used for swimming, boating, and shoreline trails.