Zoar Valley

Zoar Valley is a natural area owned by New York State in the northwest corner of Cattaraugus County (and into Erie County). Cattaraugus Creek and its tributaries have carved a gorge out of the shale and sandstone. The area is a popular whitewater rafting destination in the spring, and is a hiking paradise in the summer and fall. The confluence of Cattaraugus Creek and South Branch is a favored location for naturists as well as naturalists.

Cattaraugus Creek

Spring whitewater beckons rafters and kayakers from all around. Class II to Class IV rapids keep adventure seekers happy. Fishermen also show up for the salmon and trout.

Zoar Valley Cliffs

The cliffs rise to 400 feet above the creek bed, and are actively eroding. Zoar Valley is wonderfully beautiful, but care must be taken to avoid rockslides and treacherous water.

Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

Valentine Flats is covered with these, blooming in the late summer through autumn.

Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)

It seems wherever there are lungless salamanders there is moss, which provides a nice backdrop.

Common Morel (Morchella esculenta)

These are edible, but easily confused with inedible false morel (Gyromitra sp. and Verpa sp.).

Waterfalls

Above and below are two of the dozens of waterfalls found in Zoar Valley.

Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis)

This snake is ready to shed. It was under a rock in a dry section of creek bed (the rock was replaced shortly thereafter).

Waterfall

Ribbon Falls is ephemeral...a part-time waterfall.

Carpet of Periwinkle

Much of the floor of Zoar Valley is carpeted with the invasive common periwinkle (Vinca minor).

Another Waterfall

This waterfall is in a small tributary ravine off South Branch.

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

Frogs and toads are abundant in Zoar Valley.

Zoar Valley Cliffs

Here are a few more views of the many cliffs of the valley.

Green Frog (Rana clamitans)

This one was basking beside the creek.

Waterfall Beneath Hemlocks

This is a nice little waterfall shaded by eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).

Forest

Parts of the gorge are less steep, allowing trees to take root.

Golden Groundsel (Packera aurea)

Also known as golden ragwort, this plant is common on the valley floor.

Zoar Valley

Zoar Valley, like the rest of the Enchanted Mountains region, abounds with scenic beauty and biodiversity.