When enjoying the many trails in Chautauqua & Lake Erie in western New York state, be sure to include some time at one of our “trail towns”. These small towns and villages near trailheads or along trail routes are great places to enjoy local eats and drinks, or to pick up some necessary provisions.
Mayville
Located at the extreme northern point of Chautauqua Lake, Mayville incorporates a portion of the Chautauqua County Rails to Trails route and is just a few miles from the northern-most trailhead for the 25-mile long Westside Overland Trail. This trailhead is adjacent to the popular Chautauqua Gorge State Forest and camping area.
The Village of Mayville boasts Chautauqua Suites Hotel & Conference Center and Webb’s Resort & Motel. There are several vacation rentals and traditional B & B’s in the area as well as campgrounds such as Chautauqua Gorge Campground, Camp Prendergast and Camp Chautauqua on Chautauqua Lake. Mayville offers several fantastic dining options including the Lakeview, Music for Your Mouth, She Sings Café, and Andriaccio’s Restaurant.
There is a small supermarket and a couple of convenience stores in the village offering a variety of “on the go” snack, hydration, and provision options. Lighthouse Point Grocery is also a popular spot for provisions, snack foods, and their famous subs and takeout entrees.
Mayville is one of the embarkation points for the steam-powered paddle-wheeler Chautauqua Belle. The world-renown Chautauqua Institution is just 3 miles down the road from Mayville, offering concerts and entertainment every summer.
Sherman
The main street of rural Sherman, NY presents a slightly “western” look and boasts a collection of restaurants and shops. This village, located less than a mile from Interstate 86, is a popular destination for area trail users during multiple seasons.
Sherman is the southern terminus of the Chautauqua Rails to Trails route and offers a convenient parking trailhead. Just east of Sherman on Wait Corners Road is a trailhead and parking area for the Westside Overland Trail which is heavily utilized by hikers and mountain bikers heading both north and south from the Sherman area.
During winter, Sherman serves as a trailhead as well as break point for area snowmobilers. The village includes one gas station, a pizzeria, and a couple of other restaurants and watering holes.
Panama
This small village is located amidst some of the most heavily forested areas in Chautauqua County. Panama is well known for Panama Rocks, boasting a half mile long ridge of 60’ rock formations and a 1-mile hiking trail. Always a favorite spot for memorable photos, Panama Rocks also features a glamping resort and two major festivals in the summer and fall each year.
The Westside Overland Trail continues southward through the Panama area with the route traversing Whalen State Forest, North Harmony State Forest, Panama State Forest, and Brokenstraw State Forest. The region also features the North Harmony Equestrian Trail as well portions of the Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club trails.
The village offers a popular diner at the four-corners, as well as a few shops.
Frewsburg
Located in the southeast corner of Chautauqua County, Frewsburg is a great launch or stopping point for paddlers enjoying the Conewango/Frewsburg section of the Marden-Cobb Waterway Trail. There are put-in points and parking areas to the north, west, and south of the village of Frewsburg, providing access to the Conewango Creek. This waterway extends into Pennsylvania and connects with the Allegany River in Warren.
The area is also home to the Aububon Community Nature Center, which boasts 6 miles of trails on more than 600 acres of wildlife sanctuary. There is also a Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park campground just south of Frewsburg.
The village “downtown” offers a couple of casual restaurants including The Dinner Bell, a pizzeria, an ice cream shop, and a gas station/convenience store. There is also a grocery store available for provisions.
Cherry Creek
The village of Cherry Creek is situated a few miles east of a major series of trails located in the eastern part of Chautauqua County. The 18-mile Eastside Overland Trail runs generally north and south through the area and combines or intersects with a variety of other trails including the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, the Boutwell Hill Wildlife Management Area, and the Cherry Creek Sno-goers snowmobile trails. And, the Western New York Mountain Bike Association maintains several miles of mountain bike trails in the Harris Hill State Forest area which lies at the southern end of the Eastside Overland Trail.
The Cherry Creek area trails are very popular for equestrian riders and mountain bikers. There are several parking and trailhead points throughout the area with some parking areas accommodating as many as 20 cars.
Cherry Creek features a couple of restaurants in the village as well as a B & B and some vacation rentals. The area is also adjacent (just west of) a significant Amish population which offers a wide variety of handmade and specialty shopping and food options.
For additional information about lodging and dining while enjoying trails in the region, please visit TourChautauqua.com
