Allegheny State Park
Allegany State Park: New York’s Largest Wilderness
Deep in the southwestern corner of New York, 65,000 acres of forested hills, meandering streams, and two pristine lakes form Allegany State Park — the largest state park in the entire Empire State. This is New York’s great wilderness, a place where you can hike 70 miles of trails, paddle across boulder-ringed lakes, ski 35 miles of groomed cross-country trails, and settle into a woodland cabin with nothing but fireflies and birdsong for company.
Divided into two distinct recreation areas — Red House and Quaker Run — Allegany offers an astonishing range of experiences within a single park. From the Art Roscoe cross-country ski area (one of the best in the Northeast) to the peaceful shores of Red House Lake, this is a four-season destination that rivals many national forests in scale, solitude, and natural beauty.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Cattaraugus County, Western New York |
| 📐 Park Size | 65,000 acres (NY’s largest state park) |
| 🏞️ Areas | Red House Area & Quaker Run Area |
| 🥾 Trails | 70+ miles (18 trails = “Allegany 18 Challenge”) |
| 🏕️ Camping | 303 campsites, 336 cabins, 8 cottages |
| 🎿 Skiing | Art Roscoe: 35 mi groomed XC trails |
| 🎣 Fishing | Red House Lake (110 ac), Quaker Lake (268 ac) |
| 💰 Entry Fee | $10/vehicle |
| 🕐 Hours | Year-round, dawn to dusk |
| 📞 Phone | (716) 354-9121 |
Red House Area
The Red House Area anchors the northern section of the park around Red House Lake, a 110-acre man-made lake created in 1929. Five miles of paved trail encircle the lake, making it perfect for walking, running, and cycling. The lake is stocked with brown, rainbow, and brook trout plus largemouth bass. Swimming is permitted in a designated beach area, and non-motorized boats are allowed — making this one of the most peaceful paddling destinations in western New York.
Quaker Run Area
Quaker Lake (268 acres) is the larger of the park’s two lakes, formed in 1968. Bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegill, and trout all thrive here. A recently completed 3.6-mile accessible trail connects camping areas to Quaker Lake Beach, making the area more accessible than ever.
Hiking: The Allegany 18 Challenge
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Spring Trail | 3.3 mi | Moderate | Hemlock ravine, creek crossings |
| North Country Trail | 16+ mi | Strenuous | Long-distance trail connecting to national trail |
| Blacksnake Mt. Trail | 4.2 mi | Moderate | Ridge views, wildflower meadows |
| Red House Lake Loop | 5.0 mi | Easy | Paved lakeside loop, accessible |
| Patterson Trail | 5.5 mi | Moderate | Old-growth forest, ridge views |
Winter: Art Roscoe Cross-Country Ski Area
When snow blankets the Allegany hills (typically December through March), the Art Roscoe Ski Touring Area transforms the park into one of the Northeast’s best cross-country skiing destinations. The network offers 18-35+ miles of groomed trails for all skill levels — from gentle meadow loops for beginners to challenging forested hills for experts. Trail conditions are regularly posted, and equipment rentals are available.
Camping and Cabins
| Accommodation | Count | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Campsites | 303 | Tent/trailer/RV, various loops in both areas |
| Cabins | 336 | Rustic to fully equipped (kitchen, bath) |
| Cottages | 8 | Larger family units with full amenities |
| Group Camps | 2 | For organized groups |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allegany State Park really the largest state park in New York?
Yes! Allegany State Park covers approximately 65,000 acres, making it the largest state park in New York. To put that in perspective, it’s nearly the size of Manhattan and Queens combined. The park is located in Cattaraugus County in the southwestern corner of the state, adjacent to the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania.
Can you swim at Allegany State Park?
Yes, swimming is available at both Red House Lake and Quaker Lake during summer months. Each lake has a designated beach area with seasonal lifeguards. The lakes are refreshingly cool even in summer. Non-motorized boats are allowed — bring your canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle.
What is the Allegany 18 Challenge?
The Allegany 18 Challenge is a hiking challenge that invites visitors to complete all 18 designated trails in the park, totaling approximately 70 miles. Participants who complete the challenge can earn a special patch. It’s designed to showcase the full diversity of the park’s landscape, from lakeside paths to forested ridges.
When is the best time for cross-country skiing at Allegany?
The Art Roscoe Ski Touring Area typically has reliable snow from late December through early March. The area offers 18-35+ miles of groomed trails for all ability levels and is considered one of the best cross-country ski trail systems in Western New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Check trail conditions before visiting, as grooming depends on snowfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Empire Pass cost?
The Empire Pass costs $80 per year and provides unlimited vehicle entry to all New York state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas. It is available at any state park entrance or online through the NY Parks website.
When is the best time for fall foliage in New York state parks?
Fall foliage in New York typically peaks from late September in the Adirondacks to mid-October in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes region. Letchworth and Bear Mountain State Parks are especially popular for leaf peeping.
Are gorge trails open year-round in New York?
Most gorge trails, including those at Watkins Glen, Robert H. Treman, and Buttermilk Falls, are closed from roughly November through May due to ice and safety concerns. Rim trails often remain open year-round.
Can I camp at New York state parks?
Yes, many New York state parks offer tent camping, RV sites, and cabins. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica up to 9 months in advance. Popular parks fill quickly for summer and fall weekends.
Explore More New York State Parks
Allegheny State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New York. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New York guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
