35 WINTER 2026 VOL. 07 / ISSUE 01
SNOWGOER. COM 36
Nearly 450 miles of well-marked and mapped trails lead along unplowed roads and abandoned railroad beds, then roll through open fields and dense state forests. Some trails offer superb scenic views from high vantage points. And a fleet of 23 large groomers operated by five clubs expertly maintains this network.
If you like ice running, Chautauqua Lake is one of the biggest in the state. This sizeable county is dotted with trail heads, or you can ride right from the door of many lodging establishments. And most trails lead to clubhouses and a multitude of great pit stops situated throughout the county. Chautauqua County has excellent and plentiful support services, too, with good lodging, a variety of dining and dealerships for all brands. Our favorites start with Webb’ s Lake Resort in Mayville. Their craft bourbons and exceptional restaurant provide an outstanding finish to a great day on the trails, which are accessible right from the resort’ s expansive parking lot.
Our favorites continue with Peak‘ n’ Peak Resort near Findley Lake, Pine Junction with its famous“ Horse Balls” dessert and annual vintage sled event, Sandy’ s White Horse Inn in Cassadaga, the historic Witch Kitch Tavern in Sinclairville and Tom’ s Tavern in Maple Springs. And Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Services
This trailside hut shows the excellent trail marking and mapping that allows first-time visitors to easily navigate the Chautauqua County trail system.
you can put your sled on autopilot all the way from Montague to Centerville Road? Have you taken Trail 5 to Inlet so often that you could ride it in your sleep?
If you see yourself in that picture, it’ s time to face the facts: You’ re in a rut. You need to ride somewhere new to you this winter.
Here are a few ideas to help you break out of your rut that were selected from some of the very best places we’ ve ridden in the East over the past decade or so.
Chautauqua County, New York
Chautauqua County is New York’ s snowy secret because this southwestern gateway to the Empire State is blessed with loads of lake effect snow just like Tug Hill. And this plateau area that is 1,500-feet above Lake Erie holds onto the snow just like Tug Hill, too. But not many outsiders have experienced this remarkable winter playground, so visit now before it’ s discovered by the thundering herd.
Visitors will find lots of snow and superbly groomed trails in New York’ s Chautauqua County.