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Map of the trail that displays the open and closed sections. Trail Map Explore and learn more about the various sections of the ECRT! Download Map

Beth Lasky Bill Krebs Bill Krebs, Mayor of Springville, advocates for the ECRT Trail The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) has over 6,000 friends and supporters, but Springville Mayor Bill Krebs stands out from the rest! Bill first heard about the trail in 2008 when he read a news story that the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad was considering railbanking its 27-mile inactive rail line that runs from Orchard Park to Ashford, crossing right through the middle of Springville, NY. Seeing potential When Bill became the Mayor of Springville in 2006, the railroad had started to remove the ties and ballast on that line, but they never finished. “What they left was an industrial parking lot—an eye sore right in the middle of town.” Bill reported. “When I learned there was potential to turn that mess into a multi-use trail, I was definitely interested.” Advocating for the trail A retired schoolteacher and former Boy Scout leader, Bill knew to do his research. First, he checked out trails in other communities to see how a ‘rails to trails’ could benefit Springville. Then he investigated railbanking, and learned it was a program Congress enacted to keep rail corridors ready for future rail use, allowing them to be opened for interim use as trails. That same year, Ann Bergantz approached Bill about joining a new non-profit she was forming called ECRT to bring all 27-miles of this local trail to life. Bill became a huge advocate for trail development. He formed a committee of residents to explore the possibility of transforming the unused rail line into a multi-use trail. The Village Trustees participated in the trail design and its vision in their community. However, they became frustrated at the length of time it was taking for New York State Parks to secure a contract from the railroad. Because NYS Parks was busy developing the Genesee Valley Greenway, they turned the project over to Ann and the ECRT Board of Directors, which was a real turning point. “While the 49-year lease for all 27-miles took a few more years, ECRT helped us secure a simple ‘Right of Entry’ agreement for our 1.8 mile section, which we named The Pop Warner Trail after a local football hero ,” Bill stated. “That contract was signed in 2015, and then the real fun began.” Bringing the trail to life The Pop Warner Committee worked with ECRT to support the design of the trail. The Village Department of Public Works constructed the trail using millings as the surface. The project really took off when the committee secured a $12,000 grant from the Springville Griffith Institute Community Foundation, which they used to buy benches, tables, and signs. To add more amenities, local residents donated a kiosk, a library and trees, and Erie County funded signage at the intersection of the WNY Scenic Byway. At a Grand Opening Ceremony In 2016, Bill proudly cut the ribbon to the 1.8 mile Pop Warner section of the ECRT trail. In 2019, the open section was extended another three miles to Genesee Road. And while there is always more work to do improving the surface and signage, Bill could not be prouder. “I’m thrilled to see so many people on the trail hiking, dog-walking and biking year-round, with snowshoers, skiers and snowmobilers taking the trail into town in the winter ,” Bill said. “It’s a legacy trail, with so much potential for the future, linking to the Senior Center, the high school, Springville Field and the Stream Trout Pond. ” July 1, 2021 Written by: Beth Lasky Previous Next < Back

Jim and Cynthia Page Volunteers Jim and Cynthia Page clearly demonstrate you don’t have to live on or near Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail to appreciate it, use it and support efforts to complete it. Long-time Lancaster residents, both are active cyclists. Jim retired from Calspan in 2018. During his last few years with the company (a time when all four daughters were grown and on their own), he took to riding to work and back every day from March through November “It was a 25 mile round trip. One year I estimated that I rode around 3,000 miles to work and other outings." Cynthia, meanwhile, who grew up in Amherst, recalls biking to college in all kinds of weather, starting on a big, heavy bicycle and eventually graduating to a 10-speed. She biked frequently in her neighborhood, often with family members. “Jim and I met at Calspan. We had a lot in common. An important, enjoyable part of many of our days was spent outdoors, often on bikes.” Their interest in biking even influenced their choice of neighborhoods. “We bought a home with access to bikeable roads,” said Cynthia. “There were no bike trails back then. And if you’re raising a family, it’s important for children to have a safe place to ride.” Both Jim and Cynthia are members of GOBike, where Jim volunteers repairing and renovating bikes for kids, an activity he thoroughly enjoys. They also support the notion of a regional trail – one that will someday incorporate the ECRT, the Southern Tier, and the Genesee Valley Greenway. Jim was one of several volunteers who helped improve and mulch the berm at the Orchard Park Depot. He has also participated in clearing portions of the West Falls section of the trail from Ellicott Road south on National Trails Day last June. Most recently, Jim helped clear debris adjacent to Jewett Holmwood Road in preparation for the opening of the new trail segment. “We are so impressed with this new section of trail. It was remarkable how quickly and professionally the stone dust surfacing of the trail was completed. It’s beautiful and a real asset for the community.” “The people on the ECRT board and volunteers are great to work with,” Jim reflected. “There’s a positive, engaging exchange of ideas and information along with the hard work demonstrated by these people. It’s extraordinary. “We look forward to future rides on the trail, especially as it continues to build to its full potential, linking communities for transportation, pleasure, and commerce. It will be an immeasurable asset to the south towns, not just for the people who live along the route. We are definitely looking forward to helping where we can.” More volunteers

Springville "Pop Warner" Trail The first 1.7 miles of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail are open in the Village of Springville, NY. T he trail head can be found across from the historic train depot at: 227 West Main Street, Springville, NY 14141 Click below to enlarge the trail map:

Videos Daytime Buffalo: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail 3rd annual event happening this weekend! Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... All Categories All Categories Entertainment Events Fondo Fundraisers Nonprofits & Activism People & Blogs Now Playing 04:54 Play Video Daytime Buffalo: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail 3rd annual event happening this weekend! Now Playing 01:54 Play Video EA2EVL Fondo Rider Safety Now Playing 02:13 Play Video Why We Ride Now Playing 02:07 Play Video EA2EVL Fondo 2022

Learn more about membership and how you can help us build the trail. Become a Member! Join the movement! Become a member and help us build the trail for the benefit of the whole community. By becoming an ECRT Member you will: Show that you are a trail supporter, and you have a true desire to see all 27 miles completed. Help ECRT to have a reliable income stream to fund trail development. Improve development efforts by offering an enhanced connection to the trail for members. Provide ECRT with additional resources to educate the community and broaden our base of support. Create additional excitement about the trail and encourage use and participation. Demonstrate support of the development of the trail to funders and governmental entities. Enjoy additional benefits that are detailed under each membership level in the Member Registration Form below! A Message from our President Prefer to mail a check? Make your check payable to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Address to: ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Thank you! NYS Charitable Donation Disclosures Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered with New York State and dedicated to building and maintaining a 27-mile multiuse recreational trail from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY on the railbanked Buffalo & Pittsburgh rail corridor. The latest financial report from ECRT may be obtained by request from ECRT at www.ecattrail.org or from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau's Website - www.charitiesnys.com . Information about charities may be obtained from the Attorney General at (212) 416-8686.

Here you'll find answers to many of the frequently asked qestions about the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail and its future. Just the Facts About the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (Updated October 2023) Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit volunteer organization formed in 2008 to serve as the trail manager for the former rail line that runs from Orchard Park to Ashford. ECRT is making great progress in its efforts to convert this 27-mile rail line to a multiuse recreational trail. What sections are open today? I n Orchard Park , a 1.3-mile section from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road has been newly resurfaced and opened in June of 2023. A 2-mile section of the trail from Ellicott Road to Jewett Holmwood Road is cleared to its natural surface and open. A 1.7-mile Pop Warner section in Springville is open, as well as another 3.5 miles of natural surface trail in East Concord . What types of activities does the trail accommodate? Walking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available in all open sections. Surface-friendly biking is available in Springville and Orchard Park. Considerate horseback riders are welcome in Concord (re: waste materials), and snowmobilers may use the Springville and open Concord sections of the trail when the local snowmobile trail system is open. ATVs, dirt bikes and other motorized wheeled vehicles are not permitted. Snowmobiles are not permitted in Orchard Park. Who owns the trail? Has it been abandoned? Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad owns the land and the railroad right-of-way. The railroad has not abandoned its interest in operating a railroad on the property. It is private property and is owned “fee simple” which means the railroad holds the title. The railroad has railbanked its property for interim use as a trail to preserve it for the possibility of future rail restoration. What does railbanking mean? The Surface Transportation Board (STB) approved the railroad’s Notice of Interim Trail Use as a multi-purpose trail. ECRT was named trail manager in 2018 through a federal railbanking agreement. This corridor has been identified by the STB as a significant national transportation asset that needs to be protected and preserved for potential reuse. The railbanking order stipulates that ECRT is to develop a multiuse trail on this corridor. Who has jurisdiction over the trail? The federal government has jurisdiction over the corridor. This preempts local and state jurisdiction of its use. Even though it is private property, the use of the property is regulated by the STB since Congress regulates interstate commerce. It’s still a transportation corridor, with train traffic being replaced by trail users. It can be replaced by rail traffic again in the future. It is a railroad right of way that is being used as a trail in the interim. What is the best way to build it? The decision to use this railroad corridor as a trail is final. It has been reviewed and approved by the STB. The best way to build it is to work in partnership with local towns and residents to gather public and municipal input and preferences. Working together and with town support, we can be more successful in raising the funds needed to add amenities and create the best product for all. The trail will likely be built in phases over time. Some sections may open for limited use, with future amenities and improvements made as funding permits. Who is responsible if someone is injured on the trail? Are adjacent landowners responsible? Trail users are responsible for their own safety. The NYS General Obligations Law, Recreational Use Statute, specifically states no owner or lessee of property shall be responsible for or held liable for any injury to person or property for which access has been granted for recreational purposes. Adjacent landowners cannot be held liable in the event someone enters adjacent property without permission. Has there been recent progress on trail design? A 1.3-mile section from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road has been newly resurfaced and opened in June of 2023. In addition, seven bridges throughout the Concord section of trail have been redecked, and trail surfaces cleared for winter use. Recently awarded grant funds have resulted in universal access to the Springville Community Trout Pond in the spring of 2023, including an on-site bike rack and a trail Welcome/Information kiosk. What next for the trail? 2024 goals include: Further improvements on the 2-mile Orchard Park section between Jewett Holmwood Road and Ellicott Road Designs to address drainage, washout and culvert work necessary on the West Falls trail section Further improvements to the natural surface trail in Concord Evaluation and design for the historic Cascade Bridge spanning Erie and Cattaraugus counties Universal access to the Springville Trout Pond Highlights of ECRT’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2025 are available online at ecattrail.org/strategicplan23-25 . G et Involved : To learn more, start at our homepage . Sign up to volunteer , donate , or become a membe r . Downlo ad PDF

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail recognizes its volunteers with personal stories. Volunteer Spotlight Archives Dave Stahley Carol & Tim Goff Lisa Rood Jim Cielencki WNY Snowmobile Club of Boston

Howy Holmes "Mr. Orchard Park" Howy Holmes is a lifelong resident of Orchard Park. His home, built in 1861, was originally located along Quaker Field Stables and was owned by Harry Yates, who, among other accomplishments, was a principal with Buffalo & Pittsburgh RR and instrumental in the design and construction of the OP Depot. Howy’s parents bought about an acre or so of property from Yates and moved the historic house to its current location at Bridal Path and Freeman Rd. Howy and wife Dorothy later purchased the home from his mother in 1982 where they raised their family and continue to live today. “I went from sleeping in the kid’s bedroom to the master bedroom – about 30 feet down the hall,” he quipped. Howy attended OP HS and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in finance from Miami Florida. There he met his wife Dorothy, in the last few days of his college career and her master’s program. He then joined the Navy reserves and served from 1966 – 1968. He and Dorothy married in 1972. Together, they raised 2 children, now grown: a daughter Chandra who lives near St. Louis, and son Tyler, who lives nearby in Amherst. After college, Howy decided to join the family’s highway construction business, Holmes & Murphy, established in 1917 by his grandfather. His wealth of experience in design and construction has been invaluable to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, and the board continues to rely on him and his considerable expertise. Throughout his adult life, Howy has been an active and avid community supporter. People often refer to Howy as ‘Mr. Orchard Park”, and rightly so! His affiliations and accolades include Orchard Park Citizen of the Year (2004), member and President of the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce, Co-President of the Orchard Park Historical Society, President of the Quaker Friends Cemetery, board member of the Buffalo Ski Club and Hickory Hill Swim & Tennis Club, and a charter member of the Orchard Park Council of the Arts – the organization that built the Orchard Park Pavilion. “I was ‘Person of the Year’ in 2006 in Time Magazine,” he says, half-jokingly. “Just Google it.” [That was the year Time noted every citizen in that category!] Howy is also known to be a frequent attendee at Town board meetings. “I’m interested in what’s going on. You have to read the local paper and follow what’s happening in your hometown. It’s important. How else can you make good decisions? You need to support and sometimes question your local officials. That’s democracy.” Howy has been involved with Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail since its inception. “I mow, walk the trail in Orchard Park pretty frequently, take on maintenance jobs and participate in design and development. The new section [of the trail in Orchard Park] is so important. It links residents to the library, the depot and all the village has to offer. It’s such a great asset for the town and village. And this is just the beginning!” More volunteers

Parking for the trail just got a little easier. < Back Trail Parking Spots Designated in West Falls Trail Maintenance Oct 28, 2025 Parking for the trail just got a little easier. Great news, everyone! There are now 3 designated Trail head parking spots adjacent to Davis Rd (Rte 240) beside the old Inn Cahoots tavern in West Falls. Previous Next

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Events Events Oct 18, 2025 Explore a Section of ECRT in Concord Springville/Concord Friends group leader Mary Carol Dearing will lead this hike on a lovely but seldom explored section of trail. Read More Oct 4, 2025 EA2EVL Fondo 2025 Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2025! Read More Sep 23, 2025 EA2EVL Fondo Friendraiser 2025 Join us for a friendraiser at 42 North Brewing Company! Read More Sep 20, 2025 Grand Opening of New Trail Section in Aurora Let's celebrate this latest trail opening together! Read More Jul 20, 2025 Come see us at Skyride 190 We'd love to see you - stop by the ECRT table at the after party! Read More May 20, 2025 Springville Trail Clean Up Volunteers needed for Springville trail clean-up Read More Apr 26, 2025 Stay tuned! We're busy planning our next event. Check back soon! Read More Apr 13, 2025 Members Sunset/Full Moon Trail Walk Join fellow ECRT Members for a walk on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Orchard Park as the sun sets and the full moon rises. Read More Apr 12, 2025 West Falls Easter Egg Hunt 2025 Walk the Trail! Prizes & Candy! Photo-Op with the Easter Bunny Read More Oct 5, 2024 EA2EVL Fondo 2024! Sign up today for EA2EVL Fondo 2024! Read More Sep 26, 2024 ECRT Friendraiser at 42 North Brewing Support our EA2EVL riders – Learn more about the trail Read More Jun 1, 2024 Orchard Park Trail Walk Celebrate National Trails Day with a walk on the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Read More Apr 13, 2024 Spring Trail Walk in East Concord Explore the Rail Trail in East Concord Read More Mar 23, 2024 West Falls Easter Egg Hunt The Easter bunny is coming to visit the rail trail in West Falls on Saturday, March 23rd! Read More Mar 16, 2024 Come and see us at WNY Equifest 2024! Meet other riders and learn more about the equestrian-friendly parts of the trail. Read More Mar 5, 2024 Visit us at IF4 2024 in Springville ECRT will have an information table at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival in Springville, NY on Tuesday, March 5th. Read More

This page features the volunteers who have been recognized for their contributionsto the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Meet our Volunteers Laura Gunderson Since 2021, Laura has been actively involved with the ECRT organization. She is currently the Leader of the West Falls chapter of Friends of the Trail. Read More Mary Carol Dearing ECRT's Springville-Concord Friends group leader is passionate about trail development. Read More Nicole Avitahl-Curtis As an active ECRT volunteer, Nicole has participated in numerous trail cleanups and promoted the trail at many public events. She also leads the ECRT Friends group of Orchard Park and has organized several community walks. Read More Ellen Januszkiewicz The love of railroads runs deep for Ellen Januszkiewicz, a regular, enthusiastic ECRT volunteer from Orchard Park. Her father, Leon, was a track maintenance mechanic whose career brought Ellen’s family from Scranton, PA to rail yards of Lackawanna, NY. Read More John Landi Responsible fiscal management is critical to the success of any not-for-profit, and Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is no exception. We're grateful to our volunteer and Board Treasurer, John Landi, for his careful and caring financial oversight of ECRT's financial resources. Read More Laura Lisitsky Laura Lisitsky is a life-long Western New Yorker and a dedicated lover of the outdoors. Through her travels, chosen lifestyle and profession, Laura truly understands the value of trails. Read More Liz Birardi Through mutual friendships, Liz became aware of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. She has volunteered at tabling events, National Trails Day celebrations, donor thank-you hikes and at registration for the EA2EVL Fondo. She is also a current and valued member of the ECRT Development Team. Read More Bernie Young In his spare time, Bernie is one of ECRT’s valued, hard-working volunteers. Using an ATV four-wheeler and a tow-behind mower, he does a meticulous job maintaining the trail from Genesee Road to Old Glenwood. He also walks the trail frequently. For Bernie, the trail is a much-loved place he gladly takes care of and truly cares for; a place where he can commune with nature very close to home. Read More Tim and Lisa Scheidel Tim and Lisa Scheidel have spent the past 38 years enjoying their beautiful Sharp Street home in the Town of Concord, in large part due to its proximity to what is now the ECRT trail. For the Scheidels, every season brings a different kind of beauty to their section of the trail. Read More Larry and Gretel Laing Once apprehensive, Larry and Gretel have become big trail supporters. “We walk the trail all the time,” notes Gretel. “It’s become such an asset to have a trail like this so close. Both the grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy it. Read More Karen Parysek “My philosophy of life has always involved making the world a better place, and working with like-minded friends on projects we enjoy.” And that, gratefully, includes Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Read More Jim and Cynthia Page Volunteers Jim and Cynthia Page clearly demonstrate you don’t have to live on or near Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail to appreciate it, use it and support efforts to complete it. Read More Howy Holmes Howy has been involved with Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail since its inception. “I mow, walk the trail in Orchard Park pretty frequently, take on maintenance jobs and participate in design and development. The new section [of the trail in Orchard Park] is so important. It links residents to the library, the depot and all the village has to offer. It’s such a great asset for the town and village. And this is just the beginning!” Read More Mary Brummer Mary feels called to talk and work with community members and elected officials in order to forge the best way to get things done and move forward with the Eire Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Read More Robin Frey "Rail corridors have played an important part in my development as a child. They were, and still are, places to explore, enjoy nature and spark creativity. I really want to see a safe, accessible trail for everyone to use and enjoy. This trail can make a huge difference in the quality of life for so many. The possibilities are endless!” Read More Harry James As far as the trail is concerned, Harry believes, “If you build it, they will come. There are lots of places to explore and enjoy here. It’s great when you see businesses interested and involved in the trial. I think you help communities grow by building and supporting cottage industries. You know, people will drive (or bike) to go to breakfast if the food is good!” Read More Jason Engel ECRT and the Springville Community Trout Pond partnered for the Springville Trout Pond Renovation project, guided by Jason, a leader in the Springville Field and Stream group. At the time, Jason explained, “We want to reclaim this popular and ecologically significant resource." Read More Bill Krebs The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) has over 6,000 friends and supporters, but Springville Mayor Bill Krebs stands out from the rest! Read More Steve Williams Steve believes that joining the Orchard Park Friends of ECRT allows him to connect with nature and support his community. He wants to make his love for bike riding and the outdoors safer and better for everyone. Read More