Erie County Reforestation Area Trail

Parking is available at various trailheads within the Erie County Reforestation Area. The primary access points are typically found along Genesee Road, where you can find trailheads for the two main 1.75-mile loops.

Yes, the Erie County Reforestation Area Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

The trail offers unique experiences year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and maple syrup production, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. In winter, the easier 1.75-mile trail is suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the Camp Sardinia warming cabin is available for day use. Summer is also great for hiking, but be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially on trails like the Scarbuck.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access the Erie County Reforestation Area or its trails. It is open to the public for recreational use.

The Reforestation Area features varied terrain, from gentle slopes to steeper sections. There are two primary 1.75-mile trails: one on the southern side of Genesee Road is considered easier, while the other across Genesee Road is described as more difficult with rougher terrain. The Scarbuck Trail also offers a two-mile main loop and a one-mile extension, which can be muddy in spots but are generally accessible. The overall difficulty of the Komoot route is rated as easy.

Yes, a charming landmark is "A Bridge Too Far" over Dresser Creek, a rustic wooden footbridge often called "Just Far Enough" as it marks the halfway point of the Scarbuck loop trail. You can also find a working maple syrup production facility (sugar shack) where maple sugar is made in the spring, and a warming cabin, Camp Sardinia, available for winter day use.

The trail winds through second-growth forest with groves of pine, spruce, and larch, as well as old-growth American beech and sugar maple forests. You might spot wild berries, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, trillium, and columbine. Wildlife is abundant, including white-tailed deer, raccoon, fox, mink, beaver, great blue heron, pileated woodpecker, and spotted salamanders.

Yes, the Reforestation Area features a network of trails. The Scarbuck Trail, with its main two-mile loop and one-mile extension, is a prominent path. Additionally, the Conservation Trail, which is part of the larger Finger Lakes Trail, utilizes portions of the Scarbuck loops.

Yes, the Erie County Reforestation Area Trail can be suitable for families. The easier 1.75-mile trail on the southern side of Genesee Road includes nature study stations, making it a good option for children. The varied terrain offers options for different activity levels.

The Komoot route for the Erie County Reforestation Area Trail is approximately 1.9 km (1.2 miles) long and typically takes around 30-35 minutes to complete. However, the Reforestation Area has a network of trails, including longer loops like the Scarbuck Trail, which will take more time.

Yes, during the spring, you might be able to purchase locally made maple syrup tapped from the very trees in the Reforestation Area. There is a working maple syrup production facility (sugar shack) on the premises.