Overland Trail in Chautauqua County

The Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation has received a grant to work on ways of bringing trail groups together.

The $25,000 grant from the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation will explore the feasibility of establishing a “Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways Group.” This effort will bring together various trails organizations and determine how best they can work together as a Friends group to provide mutual support and seek funding together.

Chautauqua County has also set aside $250,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for trail maintenance and upgrades. The County plans to purchase new trail maintenance equipment to improve efficiency, and repair bridges on the Overland Trails, among other projects. Funding was also allocated for various trail projects, including major improvements to the Westside Overland Trail in Chautauqua Gorge and Mount Pleasant State Forests, the installation of trailhead kiosks on the Overland Trails and the Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails, new trail signs on the Overland Trails, and trail maintenance projects on the Chautauqua Rails-to-Trails.

County Parks Commission member Jacob Bodway said the promise of a comprehensive “Friends Group” will help break down the silos that have made it difficult for communication and county-wide planning, “The ‘Friends Group’ will help get everyone on the same page and will enable us to seek larger grant dollars for future trail projects. This moment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to upgrade and expand the county’s greenspaces and to market the county as a regional leader in outdoor recreation.”

The County Planning Department has also been working in partnership with the Town of Westfield to develop the Welch Trail, which will connect downtown Westfield to Chautauqua Creek via a mile-long loop trail. The project, funded through a grant from the New York State Office of Parks and Historic Preservation, is expected to be completed this spring. The Department has also been working to secure easements for a portion of trail that would connect Barcelona Harbor to the Chautauqua Institution, with additional funding from OPRHP.

For more information on Chautauqua County’s ongoing trail development projects and access to the County Greenway Plan, visit planningchautauqua.com/planning/trails/.

The Overland Trails, composed of the Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail and the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail, are the County’s largest hiking trail system. Spanning more than 40 miles in total, the trails allow hikers to experience the beauty of Chautauqua County’s pristine forests, rolling hills, and idyllic farmland. The trails are suitable for all ages and experience levels.

In 2019, the Chautauqua County Division of Planning & Community Development released a new website, www.hikechautauqua.com , as well as new branding and marketing materials for the County’s Overland Trails. The effort was completed in partnership with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, the County Parks Commission and Parks Department, and New York State Division of Tourism through the Market New York program as part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards. Market New York supports regionally themed marketing projects that promote tourism destinations, attractions and special events.

The marketing program has continued to increase awareness of the trail system by using social media. As of today, the @hikechautauqua Instagram has reached over 400 followers and continues to post weekly content about the trail system. The branding and marketing materials for the trails were developed in partnership with Black Dog Designs of Glenn Falls, N.Y. The materials included updated logos, maps, and infographics, as part of the new website for the trail, www.hikechautauqua.com.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the marketing program has seen increased activity on its social media.

“Everyone is excited by the new branding material,” said Brad Bentley, Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Director. “The new maps are helpful as people are looking for safe ways to enjoy the outdoors during the outbreak and the Overland Trails are a great local resource. For those using the trails, please remember to practice social distancing.”

For those interested in exploring the Overland Trails, visit hikechautauqua.com for trail maps, FAQs, photos, hiking rules and regulations, area attractions, and more. To stay in the loop, follow @hikechautauqua on Instagram.

For more information on tourism opportunities throughout New York, visit iloveny.com.