A popular spot for hiking in Western New York has become a source of tragedy for some — but the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is trying to change that.

What You Need To Know

  • The state DEC announced safety improvements at Zoar Valley in southern Erie and northern Cattaraugus counties
  • The goal is to promote public safety and enhance the visitor experience
  • A special memorial is in the works to recognize those who died accidentally at Zoar Valley
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"When you lose somebody, especially a child, it's a loss that you never get over," said MaryBeth Long. 

She described her son Conor as someone who wanted to make a difference. While at Hamburg High School, he was class president and student representative on the Hamburg Town Board. The 20-year-old tragically lost his life in the summer of 2018 while hiking in Zoar Valley.

"It is a light that goes out in your life,” she said.

The DEC is trying to ensure others don't have to endure what Conor's family went through. 

"Zoar Valleym although it is a very beautiful place, it can be a dangerous place as well," said Chad Staniszewski, the DEC's Region 9 acting regional director.

On Tuesday, the DEC commissioner announced improvements and actions at the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area and Zoar Valley Unique Area that will promote public safety for visitors there. 

They include:

  • New and enhanced signage at access points, along trails, and at the gorge rim. Dozens of new signs promote the safe use of Zoar Valley, marking trails, and warning of particularly dangerous spots at the MUA. These new signs  complement existing signage; 
  • DEC crews shortened the Overlook Trail at Valentine Flats to keep visitors safely away from the rim of the gorge; 
  • DEC staff are developing new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant and accessible trails, which are advancing to construction and trail completion in 2022; 
  • In May, two newly hired Assistant Forest Rangers started DEC service and, following training, are scheduled to begin seasonal summer posts at Zoar Valley before the start of the summer season;
  • DEC is hiring a summer intern from SUNY ESF and a Student Conservation Association Natural Resource Steward. Both positions will be assigned duties at Zoar Valley;
  • DEC has installed new kiosk panels at the Valentine Flats and Forty Road parking areas. The panels provide additional maps, safety messages, and feature new take-away maps for visitors; 
  • DEC will issue emergency regulations this summer to restrict access upstream from the Forty Road Parking Area and include a 15-foot setback from the cliff edges, prohibit climbing cliff walls, and include a restricted area along the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek to deter trespass;
  • DEC’s Divisions of Lands and Forests and Forest Protection staff brushed in unofficial trails on the property to help discourage the use of these potentially unsafe trails and to promote use of official trails; 
  • In addition to physical improvements at the site, DEC enhanced safety messaging and updated maps and information on its Zoar Valley MUA webpage, including Important Tips for Visitors to Zoar Valley MUA and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions;
  • To encourage visitors to access the site by official and safer entry points, DEC worked closely with Google and outdoor and travel websites to ensure maps and information provided by third parties are up-to-date and accurate, and provide visitors with clear information and directions to maximize safe enjoyment of Zoar Valley. Google worked with DEC to update its maps of Zoar Valley MUA with accurate trail markings and accessible parking lots.  

"We are also kicking off an emergency regulation this summer,” Basil Seggos, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, said. “An emergency regulation to restrict access upstream from Forty Road. We will have a restriction on access, as well as a 15-foot setback for many steep areas, prohibit climbing of cliff walls and a restricted area along the south branch of the Cattaraugus." 

All this was made possible in part by people like Marla Walker, who turned her grief into purpose. She's been pushing for changes after her 16-year-old daughter Brooke died in a hiking accident in Zoar Valley last year.

"Brooke continues to give back, and all of you are giving back to make Zoar Valley beautiful, which it already is, but safer and better,” Walker said. “That's why we're here. It's about making a difference.”

A special memorial will be installed at the accessible overlook platform to recognize those who died accidentally at Zoar Valley. It's expected to be completed in 2022.