With nearly two hundred state parks in all of New York, it's easy for certain locations to remain under the radar. Located out in Cattaraugus County, this park is one that is massive in size but frequently goes unnoticed by those of our residents who don't live out in Western New York. A place that you'll instantly fall head over heels for, once you take a visit to Allegany State Park you'll feel like you've discovered New York's best kept secret!
So big it's made up of two areas, today we're going to show you some of the best things that the Red House Area has to offer visitors.
That's right! Once you hear how large this park is you'll wonder how you could've ever went without visiting it. Covering a total of nearly 65,000 acres, Allegany State Park is out of this world. The park is made up of both the Red House Area as well as the Quaker Area, both offering their own unique attractions.
What many consider to be the wilderness playground of Western New York, the park is mainly centered around the natural wonder that is Red House Lake.
Open all year long, the park's picturesque cabins can be found in the Red House Area.
Where you'll find almost all of the park's campsites and cabins, the Red House Area features 130 campsites. Out of the 144 cabins within the park, 128 of them are winterized and available to rent during the winter!
Many of the cabins feature breathtaking waterfront views that are unique to see during our winter months.
If you thought New York's beautiful cabins were only to be experienced during the summer, then guess again. If you've never taken a winter getaway to one of our state parks then this Western New York location is the perfect place for you to start. There's nothing like getting away from it all and staying cozy by the fire!
To find out more information about prices of cabins and how you can rent them, click here.
Covering the northeastern half of the park, the Red House Area is known to many as where you can find the gorgeous view of the park's historic tudor-style Administration Building.
In the cozy Administration Building visitors will be able to find a gift shop as well as the park's natural history museum. The building also features a beautiful and large bay window, giving guests an overlooking view of Red House Lake.
During our winter months you'll often see the sight of visitors ice fishing out on Red House Lake, just one of the many activities that will keep you busy here.
Many of our local residents love to take day trips to Allegany State Park during the winter, getting out on the frozen lake to enjoy a day of ice fishing.
The park is also known for its various amounts of wildlife, with conservation areas that are perfect for bird watching.
From Blue Jays to deer and salamanders to bears and foxes, you're likely to see all sorts of wildlife during your stay at Allegany State Park. Respect Mother Nature and keep your eyes peeled and you're bound to see a creature or two that will drop your jaw with its beauty.
Other favorite locations within the Red House Area? The Thomas L. Kelly Covered Bridge and Bridal Falls!
While the Quaker Area has plenty to offer, it's the Red House Area of Allegany State Park that usually wins over visitors. With 5-miles of paved bike trails along with other hiking trails throughout the area, you'll find yourself being lead to beautiful destinations like this covered bridge and waterfall.
It may be nice to enjoy the park's beaches in the summer, but it's during the winter where our guests can truly enjoy themselves while exploring the various cross-country and snowmobiling trails.
If you were looking for a new spot to take your snowmobile or picturesque place to get use out of your cross-country skis, then head out to Allegany State Park. Also located within the Red House Area, the Art Roscoe Ski Area is a popular place to get out and enjoy the snow and winter scenery.
To see a detailed map of Allegany State Park's trails, click here.
Another popular area to visit within this section of the park year-round is the historic Stone Tower.
A location that visitors can both drive to as well as hike to, the Stone Tower gives adventurers a unique view of the surrounding forests and rolling hills. Built back in 1933, the historic tower has long been a favorite spot for visitors to check out for beautiful views.
Now until March on each Saturday from 9AM to 4PM, the park's staff will start a fire at the Red House Picnic Shelter. Making for the perfect place for explorers to warm up during these cold winter months!
After a long day of hiking, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, it's nice to have a charming area to rest where you can get nice and warm. The park's staff keep the fire going throughout the day, a feature of Allegany State Park that our frigid explorers are always very thankful for!
To find out more information about this park you can click their official state park page or you can follow them on Facebook for more recent updates!
Have you ever visited Allegany State Park during the winter? If you're looking to head up north to the Adirondacks, also make sure you take a visit to The One Spot In New York That's Basically Heaven On Earth in Wilmington!
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