Forty Road Parking Area
Parking lot
04.8 (41)
10229 Forty Rd, Gowanda, NY 14070
Creek, WaterfallsNY
Zoar Valley
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Zoar Valley visit with official DEC access guidance, private-land restrictions and trail updates. Swimming permission at this listing is unverified.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Swimming permission at this Zoar Valley listing has not been verified. This is not a finding that swimming is prohibited throughout Zoar Valley. Do not treat a trail, creek-access point or an old trip report as permission to swim.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Creek, Waterfalls
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
DEC lists free public-land access; this is not swimming permission.
Best season
Check current trail notices, weather and daylight before visiting. A season does not establish swimming suitability
Nearby towns
Buffalo, Gowanda, Zoar
Water body
Cattaraugus Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Buffalo, Gowanda, Zoar
Access location not verified
42.42593, -78.89686
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Zoar Valley: check the exact access point
Swimming permission at this Zoar Valley listing has not been verified. This is not a finding that swimming is prohibited throughout Zoar Valley. Do not treat a trail, creek-access point or an old trip report as permission to swim.
DEC manages the Multiple Use Area and Unique Area, but the wider valley includes private land. Check current DEC notices before traveling: its main page and FAQ differ on Valentine Flats gorge access. Both describe Forty Road access. Trail work is planned around Valentine Flats in fall 2026 and spring 2027.
Restrictions matter
DEC restricts upstream entry from the old Forty Road bridge abutments along the South Branch to the state boundary, with exceptions for licensed fishing or permits. The privately owned falls are not a public swimming destination. Follow marked trails and restricted-area signs.
Plan a scenic visit
The Forty Road trail leads to an accessible overlook; this does not establish accessible water entry. State land is open sunrise to sunset, with no camping or fires. Stay away from cliff edges and do not use old waterfall-descent directions.
Reviewed September 21, 2026. Read the DEC property page and visitor FAQ for maps, restrictions and current updates. A source review does not confirm today's water conditions or a precise swimming entrance.
Getting There
Use DEC's current property map and access notices to select a legal trailhead. The old directions down a steep hill beside a waterfall are withdrawn. This listing does not identify a verified swimming entrance.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
DEC manages the Multiple Use Area and Unique Area, but the wider valley includes private land. Check current DEC notices before traveling: its main page and FAQ differ on Valentine Flats gorge access. Both describe Forty Road access. Trail work is planned around Valentine Flats in fall 2026 and spring 2027.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Swimming permission at this Zoar Valley listing has not been verified. This is not a finding that swimming is prohibited throughout Zoar Valley. Do not treat a trail, creek-access point or an old trip report as permission to swim. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Forty Road Trail
Hiking area
0.4 mi
4.7 (3)
9911 Forty Rd, Cattaraugus, NY 14719
Valentine Flats Creek Access Parking Area
Parking lot
1.3 mi
4.8 (41)
10112 Valentine Flats Rd, Gowanda, NY 14070
Zoar Valley Unique Area
Park
1.6 mi
4.9 (16)
Gowanda, NY 14070
The Glen
Hiking area
3.1 mi
4.5 (2)
2220 Co Rd 74, Gowanda, NY 14070
Gowanda Free Library
Public library
3.3 mi
4.7 (26)
56 W Main St, Gowanda, NY 14070
Gender-neutral restroom
East Otto State Forest Campground
Campground
6 mi
4.6 (72)
Kiedeman Forest Road, East Otto, NY 14729
RestroomTent sites
Hogarosa
Campground
13.2 mi
4.9 (64)
11847 Summit Ln, Springville, NY 14141
Public restroomRestroomTent sites
Frequently Asked Questions About Zoar Valley
Is Zoar Valley free to visit?
Reported fee information: DEC lists free public-land access; this is not swimming permission. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Zoar Valley?
Swimming permission at this Zoar Valley listing has not been verified. This is not a finding that swimming is prohibited throughout Zoar Valley. Do not treat a trail, creek-access point or an old trip report as permission to swim.
What is known about Zoar Valley?
Plan a Zoar Valley visit with official DEC access guidance, private-land restrictions and trail updates. Swimming permission at this listing is unverified.
When is the best time to visit Zoar Valley?
Seasonal planning notes: Check current trail notices, weather and daylight before visiting. A season does not establish swimming suitability. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Zoar Valley?
Reported facilities at Zoar Valley include: An accessible overlook is not an accessible swimming facility. Check DEC information for current services. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Zoar Valley?
Camping is prohibited in the MUA/UA.
Highlights
DEC-managed public land within a wider mixed-ownership valley
Forty Road scenic overlook
Swimming access not verified
Unique Features
Gorge scenery and forests
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Stay on marked trails, obey closures and avoid cliff edges
- Do not treat calm-looking water as evidence of safe swimming
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph scenery from authorized trails and overlooks, not cliff edges or waterfall descents.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect private land and all mapped restricted areas.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current trail notices, weather and daylight before visiting. A season does not establish swimming suitability.
Difficulty Level
Varies by trail; an accessible overlook does not establish gorge or water access.
Fee
DEC lists free public-land access; this is not swimming permission.
Facilities
An accessible overlook is not an accessible swimming facility. Check DEC information for current services.
Activities
Scenic viewing and marked-trail hiking; check activity-specific DEC rules
Phone
716-372-0645
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Camping is prohibited in the MUA/UA.
Nearby Attractions
- Allegany State Park - State Park
- Gowanda - Town
- Eternal Flame Falls - Waterfall
- Chestnut Ridge Park - State Park
- Letchworth State Park - State Park
- Buffalo - City
- Cattaraugus County - Region
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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