A giant Great Blue Heron has visited recently and left his tracks in the mud
The creek is home to many amphibians: Leopard Frog, Bullfrog, Eastern Newt (Red Eft stage)
Big Falls (aka Forty Falls). Last time I jumped! Not today.
Zoar Valley is a stunning series of valleys and deep canyons carved out by Cattaraugus Creek as it winds its way across western New York to Lake Erie. In fact, Cattaraugus Creek is Lake Erie's largest tributary. Below are pictures from a hike with my mom and little brother up the South Fork of Cattaraugus Creek to to Big Falls, also known as Forty Falls by the locals. Much of the land along this section of the creek now belongs to the Nature Conservancy and trespassers chance being arrested by frequent patrols. For decades the area was enjoyed by many but since the Conservancy acquired the property rights nobody has been allowed access. Boooooo! This isn't an acceptable solution to the teenage party problem. By the way, I filled my backpack with trash on the way out. You're welcome.