Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
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Chautauqua Gorge State Forest (Chautauqua #5) totals 538 acres, and is located in the town of Chautauqua, west of Mayville. This forest provides opportunities for many outdoor recreational activities and is home to a variety of wildlife species.
History
In the 1930s, the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest was the focus of numerous projects by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCCs, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the depression. CCC projects included the construction of roads and the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in open areas on the property.
Field Notes
Numerous wildlife species can be found in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest, including white tail deer, ruffed grouse, raccoon, and turkey. There are also occasional fox, mink and bear sightings. The abundance of different habitat types created by forestry management practices make this forest an ideal area for various wildlife sightings. A variety of songbirds are also prevalent in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest, especially near heavily harvested areas where there is thick seedling-sapling cover.
Conifer and hardwood timber management is practiced at Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. The conifer stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually managed by a series of partial harvest thinnings, which provide openings for sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwoods. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity. 
Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and regenerate naturally. Periodic thinning of the forest through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees adequate growing space. This practice helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife, and source of future crop trees. Some hardwood stands contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. These stands were actually harvested prior to state ownership.
Recreation
Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and hunting are popular recreational activities in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. The forest also contains a day-use area with picnic tables, fire rings, out-house facilities, and a public parking area.
Hunting is allowed on the property; please be sure to abide by all game laws. More information can be obtained from your local DEC office by calling 716-665-6111.
The Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail traverses the state forest from Summerdale Road to Hannum Road. There are 1.2 miles of the trail on this state forest which are maintained by Chautauqua County Department of Public Works, Parks Division. The trail corridor navigates the forest's various aesthetically and pleasing woodlots, marsh dikes and access trails. Bicycles, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the trail. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the trail. Parking lots for trail users only are located on Hannum Road.
Organized trail events need to have their coordinators obtain a Temporary Revocable Permit for use of the trails prior to the event. These can be obtained at the Falconer DEC Office at 716-665-6111.
Tips for using State Forests
State lands belong to all of us. Help care for this area and enhance the enjoyment of it for yourself and those who follow by observing these simple guidelines:
- What you carry in - carry out. Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
- If you are planning to camp for more than three nights or have a group of ten or more, you will need to obtain a permit from a forest ranger. Camping is not allowed within 150 feet of water, roads or trails.
- If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and down trees only.
- All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off road use of motorized vehicles, such as ATV, trail bikes and four wheel drives is not allowed.
- No permanent structures shall be established, including tree stands or blinds.
Directions
From Mayville, take Route 430 west to Hannum Road (right turn). Proceed all the way to the end of the road (will turn into a dirt road). Continue straight the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest parking and picnic area at the end.
Important Numbers
State Forest Office (M-F 8-4 p.m.): 716-665-6111
Forest Ranger (Evenings, Weekends and Holidays): 716-771-7180 or 716-771-7105
Emergencies: 911
