Day Trips
There are several places just a short
drive from Allegany State Park that are
not to be missed, especially if you like
the Bear Caves and Thunder Rocks.
These destinations are the Panama Rock
Scenic Park and Rock City Park.
lovely, and the cool water is refreshing
on a warm day. This hike only takes a
couple of minutes and it isn’t strenuous
in the least.
The Stone Tower
The stone tower has a beautiful
view from the top. This observation
tower was built by the Civilian Conser-
vation Corps in 1933. You can drive up
to the tower or hike from the main road.
The hike is beautiful and is only about a
half a mile. This is a must see in the fall
when the leaves are changing.
Thunder Rocks
Probably one of the most spectacu-
lar destinations within the Park is Thun-
der Rocks. It is a very long drive down
a dusty dirt road that’s riddled with pot-
holes, but this place is well worth the
trip. The Thunder Rocks are a large clus-
ter of giant conglomerate rocks. Kids
get the biggest kick out of this area and
truly have a blast scrambling over these
rocks. This is a great place to take some
iconic family photos and let the kids be,
well… kids. It is not unusual to see lots
of adults being kids, either. This is a very
popular spot but there are plenty of rocks
for everyone.
Panama Rocks
Scenic Park
The Panama Rocks Scenic Park
(www.panamarocks.com) is truly an
amazing destination. This place is in-
credible. If your kids enjoyed the Thun-
der Rocks, they will go absolutely bon-
kers for this park. Although the trail
is only a mile long, it is full of giant
conglomerate rocks that have formed
caves, tunnels, and crevices. Visitors are
encouraged to climb and explore. This
park isn’t a place for little kids (under 6).
Kids need to be able to follow directions
and have a healthy sense of self-preser-
vation. There are places in the park that
can be dangerous if they aren’t paying
attention to where they are going. Be
sure to bring water; you will get thirsty
climbing around the rocks and there are
no facilities for water or restrooms on
the trail. The trail is shaded, and the tem-
perature is a lot cooler among the rocks
and in the caves; even in the heat of sum-
mer, a sweatshirt is good to have. You
can pretty much count on having this
place mostly to yourselves. Astonish-
ingly, this park isn’t well known and is
a relative secret.
Rock City Park
Another great destination to frolic
among the giant rock formations and
explore caves and crevices is Rock City
Park (www.rockcitypark.com) in Olean.
This 2-mile hike through giant conglom-
erate rocks is more mapped out and less
wild than Panama Rocks, with handrails
to help guests into the ravine between
the massive rocks. However, it is equally
impressive, although this park prohibits
climbing on the rocks. Rock City Park
is more suited for visiting with really
young children. Rock City Park also has
food service and a full gift shop. The
gift shop is a haven for people who love
rocks. This park is very popular, and you
will find lots of visitors on the trails,
especially on the weekends. It is worth
the visit to this mystical destination that
will make you feel like you stepped into
some fantasy movie like The Hobbit.
Allegany is a one of a kind destina-
tion that encompasses all that is incred-
ible about nature. This is a destination
that will bring out the child in everyone
in your family and create memories that
will last a lifetime.
Kimberly Crawford is a freelance writer
for a number of online family publica-
tions focusing on outdoor family adven-
tures.
August 2018 WNY Family 13