Allegany sits on the banks of the scenic Allegheny River. Hills shape the landscape, and Rock City Park is known for its distinctive rock formations. The area also features a historic church building, an arts center, and a public golf course. Together, these offer everything from riverside scenery and outdoor activities to local history, performances, and golf.
Riverside Scenery and Trails
The land along the Allegheny River in Allegany is hilly, with elevations rising 700 to 900 feet above the valley floors. Those interested in the landscape will find a clear connection between the river and the surrounding elevations. The Allegheny River Valley Trail offers another way to experience the river corridor: this 6.2-mile loop runs along the Allegheny River between the Town of Allegany and the City of Olean.
The trail begins near St. Bonaventure University and is suitable for walking, inline skating, and cycling. Farther afield in the region, a wooded section runs alongside the river for nearly three miles. The trail is ten feet wide, paved, and accessible with limited barriers in that area. Check accessibility details before your trip. The loop, riverside location, and different ways to use the trail offer several points to consider when planning, without prescribing any particular activity.
Local History in a Former Church Building
In the Village of Allegany, the permanent home of the Allegany Area Historical Association and its collection of historical artifacts are housed in a former United Methodist Church at 25 N. Second Street. The church is a local historic landmark. It was built in 1855 by the Methodist Episcopal Congregation, and its floor plan, including the original pews and pulpit, has been preserved. Its construction date, congregation, and preserved features offer concrete starting points for exploring the area's history.
Art and Performances
The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts features spacious art galleries and the 321-seat Rigas Family Theater. Each season, the center presents performances in jazz, dance, theater, and comedy. This provides a cultural focus distinct from the historic church building: a program that spans several performing arts. If a performance is important to your travel plans, take the season's schedule into account.
Golf as a Seasonal Option
St. Bonaventure Golf Course is a hilly, scenic public nine-hole golf course. It is open seven days a week in spring, summer, and fall. Seasonal hours may change, so check the latest information before visiting. Its public access and nine-hole format make it a clearly defined option for travelers who want to include golf in their stay.
Getting Here and Planning Your Stay
Interstate 86 passes through the Town of Allegany, with access to the town via Exit 24. This exit is a specific access point to use when planning a driving route. Check dates and current course hours if they are important to your stay.
Discover more destinations: Ellicottville, Salamanca, Franklinville, Yorkshire, Chautauqua.
Return to the main travel overview: Cattaraugus County.
