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Springville Depot owners help with Trail clean up Retzlaffs lend muscle power to trail clean up near Springville Depot Read More Volunteer Spotlight: 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 Become A Trail Expert Read Just the Facts! What sections are open today? What types of activities does the trail accommodate? Who owns the trail? Has it been abandoned? What does railbanking mean? Who has jurisdiction over the trail? What is the best way to build the trail? Who is responsible if someone is injured on the trail? Are adjacent landowners responsible? Has there been recent progress on trail design? What's next for the trail? Explore the Trail: Explore the future Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. More on exploring Become a Member: ​Love the outdoors? Consider joining us. Your support helps our ongoing efforts to preserve the former rail corridor with the intent to develop it into a multi-use recreational trail. It also demonstrates community support to our local and state officials. All members will receive our newsletter as well as exclusive invitations to ECRT events. When you register, you'll also have the opportunity to indicate if you would like to further assist us by volunteering. More on memberships Learn More About ECRT: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and trail manager for the railbanked portion of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Railway in Western NY. Over twenty-seven miles long, this railroad right-of-way connects the communities of Orchard Park, Aurora, West Falls, Colden, East Concord, Springville and West Valley, New York. More about ECRT Follow Us on Facebook: Sign the Petition to support the ECRT Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Springville Depot owners help with Trail clean up Dorothea Wattles Apr 16, 2024 Retzlaffs lend muscle power to trail clean up near Springville Depot When ECRT Trail Maintenance volunteers Dorothea Wattles and Dave Stahley started clearing storm debris from the trail near the Springville Depot, it became clear that their wheelbarrow wasn't the ideal choice for the volume of limbs and twigs that needed to be cleared up. Matt and Valerie Retzlaff, proprietors of the Springville Depot, came out to lend their hands and some additional hauling power to the operation! We thank them for their help and their enthusiasm for the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Matt Retzlaff helps haul the debris out with his tractor and trailer. @eriecattaraugusrailtrail #eriecattaraugusrailtrail @springvilledepot #springvilledepot Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Aurora Receives $4.5 Million NY Forward Award Deborah Fenn Jan 26, 2024 A portion of the Award will be used for trail improvements in West Falls. We are thrilled to share with you the great news that Aurora has been awarded a $4.5 Million NY Forward Award, a portion of which will be used for improvements to the multiuse trail in West Falls/Aurora. We also thank everyone who contributed their time and expertise to produce this successful Award Application. Read the press release at https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-highlights-budget-investments-western-new-york . View the Application at https://www.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/WestFalls_NYF_2_Application.pdf . Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Accessibility Improved at OP Depot tracks Debbie Stellrecht Jul 20, 2023 Rails no longer impede wheelchair access to the trail Our volunteers went to work to resolve the problem of wheelchairs being unable to get over the rails and onto the trail. We're so grateful to these people who work quietly and diligently to make the trail pleasant and accessible for all! Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back EA2EVL Safety Sponsor offers safe cycling tips Deborah Stellrecht Jun 16, 2023 Ride safely on or off road with your bike this riding season Craig Small, of the Small Law Firm, is our 2023 EA2EVL Safety Sponsor. Watch this video for tips to ride safely this season. ( https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0373ea_042d58a6b0194336a974626f8ab6979e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 ) Start with a tune up. Take care of your bike; your bike will take care of you. Maximize your roll. Tire inflation to the correct pressure can make a huge difference in the energy you'll expend riding. It's all about the fit. Make sure your helmet fits, using the 2 x 2 x 2 rule. Replace old or damaged helmets. Fuel your ride. Pack snacks and water, and electrolyte tablets or powdersadded to your water can reduce muscle cramping and fatigue. Light it up. Bike lights make you more visible to drivers, even in daylight hours. Bright & reflective clothing helps you to be seen, too. Don't forget the sunscreen and sunglasses: protect your eyes and your skin rom the sun's rays. Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back “Sculpture Alley” Debuts on Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Springville Mary Brummer Aug 4, 2023 Springville trail and art supporters celebrate new works in Sculpture Alley. Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) is showing its artistic side in the Village of Springville. In partnership with Springville Center for the Arts, ECRT commissioned Bennington sculptor J. Brian Pfeiffer of A Sculptor’s Soul studio to create the inaugural two sculptures for “Sculpture Alley”, a section of ECRT just north of Franklin Street behind the Peerless Winsmith building. “Incorporating materials reflecting this area’s industrial past into art along this section of the trail is a creative way to enhance the outdoor experience here,” said Seth Wochensky, Executive Director of Springville Center for the Arts, and originator of the “Sculpture Alley” concept in Springville. “The goal of ‘Sculpture Alley’ is to bring interactive art into an outdoor environment that is accessible to all,” said Mary Brummer, President of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. ECRT is a multi-use recreational trail on the corridor of the former Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad. The trail is open to all free of charge 365 days per year from dawn until dusk. J. Brian Pfeiffer has created two sculptures using his favored medium of poured concrete over a rebar frame. The first sculpture is an abstract figure of a traveler sitting on a platform next to a suitcase which holds a spinnable sphere painted as a world map. The figure is positioned as if peering down the tracks awaiting the arrival of a train. The second sculpture is a tall form with a spherical base from which emerges a straight shaft topped by a colorful disc, echoing historic railroad signaling gear. The art pieces are mounted on either side of the trail some distance from each other, so they may be appreciated as the trail user approaches and passes each one. The art is meant to be engaging and interactive, as people are invited to linger with the works and to touch them. ECRT President Mary Brummer, Sculptor J. Brian Pfeiffer, and SCA Executive Director Seth Wochensky celebrate new art installed in 'Sculpture Alley' along Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Springville." The two sculptures were installed at the “Sculpture Alley” site in late July and were celebrated on August 4 as members of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail and Springville Center for the Arts gathered to thank J. Brian Pfeiffer for the creativity and sparkle that these works bring to the trail. As children climbed on one of the sculptures, Brian Pfeiffer noted, “To have an adult contemplate my artwork is wonderful, but to have a child run up to one of my sculptures and make it part of their adventure in that moment - now that is the ultimate reward!” This project is made possible with funds from the Expanding Access to Arts Funding in WNY, a regrant program of New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Cullen Foundation. "Springville art supporters and members of Springville Center for the Arts gather around one of the newly installed sculptures along Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail’s “Sculpture Alley” in the Village of Springville on August 4." Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back 2023 EA2EVL FONDO IS ANOTHER SELL OUT EVENT Beth Lasky Oct 2, 2023 400+ riders pedal 42 miles to support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail On Saturday, September 30, over 400 bikers gathered at the start line of the EA2EVL Fondo, a charity bike ride that kicked off at 42 North Brewing Company in East Aurora. Under clear blue skies, the riders followed a police escort through the Village of East Aurora, winding their way south along the rolling hills and fall foliage on Route 240 into the Village of Ellicottville. The event ended with a lively finish-line celebration at Holiday Valley. Launched in 2021, the EA2EVL Fondo—or non-competitive ride—raises awareness and funds to help open, build and maintain the 27-mile multi-use, recreational Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) that runs along a former rail line from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. For three consecutive years, this event has reached maximum capacity, this year selling out at 400+ riders and netting close to $50,000 for the rail trail. “We keep raising the bar for this event,“ said Mary Brummer, ECRT Board President, “and we keep exceeding all expectations! I’d like to thank everyone who participated in this epic ride, including our loyal riders and sponsors, along with our dedicated volunteers. Your support of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail truly matters.” The 2021 and 2022 EA2EVL events raised over $100,000 in donations, which were used to clear and open the first 1.3 miles of the rail trail in Orchard Park. The funds raised from this year’s event will help to push the trail south, improving sections in the town of Aurora into West Falls. The 2023 event was sponsored by National Fuel, 42 North Brewing Company, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Phillips Lytle and Craig Small Law with tech support provided by Tom’s Pro Bikes. You can see all of the photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/pFM2fTKVLw9oC4bh7 . Image of bicycle riders emerging through the Start gate of the EA2EVL Fondo, a fundraising bicycle ride. Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back EA2EVL Pale Ale is here! Beth Lasky Jul 12, 2023 42 North & Ellicottville Brewing Company collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo. 42 North Brewing Company & Ellicottville Brewing Company have collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo , the 42-mile bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville which benefits the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. each year. ECRT board members helped out with the packaging in mid-July at 42 North in East Aurora, and had a great time! Get yours today in the taproom and look for this collab at local bars and on shelves at craft beer retailers from EA2EVL! Sign up to ride, volunteer or donate at https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo ! Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Welcomes New President Beth Lasky Jan 17, 2023 Deb Fenn turns over rail trail Board leadership to Mary Brummer in 2023 after years of progress. Deb Fenn , one of the founding ECRT Board members, stepped down as Board President at the end of 2022, a role she has held since 2016. Ms. Fenn will continue to manage government relations and community engagement for the organization. ​ On January 1, 2023, Orchard Park Village resident, Mary Brumme r, became the new ECRT Board President. Brummer joined the ECRT Board in 2018, shortly after she retired as a small animal veterinarian at the Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center. She previously served as ECRT Secretary and Governance chair. ​ In her new role, Brummer’s first priority is to build funding and team capacity to ensure that ECRT can continue to improve and open more miles of trail. History of Progress In the 15 years since ECRT was incorporated, the organization has made tremendous progress. In 2018, ECRT, Inc. signed a long-term, federal railbanking lease with the Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad to build and manage the trail. Since that time, ECRT has secured grants and public support to open 10+ miles of natural surface trail. During Fenn’s tenure, the ECRT Board: Expanded the Board of Directors to include strong leadership in design and construction, development, communications, maintenance and legal expertise. Launched ECRT Friends groups in Orchard Park, West Falls/Colden, and Springville/Concord along with an extensive trail support network with 4,500 members and nearly 600 volunteers. Gained support from national and regional trail organizations, and support from all levels of government for trail development, including resolutions of support from the Town of Aurora and from adjacent towns for major projects. Hosted trail events, including National Trail Day observances, winter walks and clean up events, and the highly successful EA2EVL 42-mile charity bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville held in 2021 and 2022, raising $100k in donations. Looking to the future In 2022, Brummer led the Board’s effort to upgrade and launch a new 3-year strategic plan for ECRT, which includes many critical projects and priorities that the Board will work to implement in the future." “It became clear during the pandemic just how important trails are to our communities, especially here in the southtowns where we have limited access,” Brummer explained. “Under Deb’s leadership, ECRT gained great momentum and made enormous strides. I’m excited to build on that momentum, to weave in local community flair and flavor, and to deepen our relationship with our Friends and supporters. "It has been a privilege and an honor to build and serve this dedicated volunteer organization,” said Fenn. “I’m incredibly proud of the amazing progress we’ve made, especially in the last 5 years, and I know Mary is the very best leader to take this trail and team into the future." Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Show the trail some love on Giving Tuesday Deborah Stellrecht Nov 24, 2023 We are participating in GivingTuesday! Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! We are participating in GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that takes place November 28, right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday! We’ve heard how much you love the trail and you’re excited for us to improve and open more of it. Help us by sharing our cause on social media using the hashtag #ECRTGivingTuesday, and join millions of global givers on November 28 by donating at https://ecrailtrail.org/donate . Donate $50 or more and you’ll receive an ECRT Supporter car magnet! Bonus! If you’re a resident of Cattaraugus County, you can win prizes for donating to ECRT through our Cattaraugus Gives site. Donate $100 or more before noon EST on Giving Tuesday and your impact will be doubled through a matching gift by an anonymous donor (both through our website and Cattaraugus Gives). We’re grateful for you and all the ways you support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Follow our progress toward our GivingTuesday goals on Facebook or Instagram ! Gratefully yours, Mary Brummer President, Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

Latest News Apr 16, 2024 Springville Depot owners help with Trail clean up Retzlaffs lend muscle power to trail clean up near Springville Depot Read More Apr 13, 2024 Spring Trail Walk in East Concord Small but enthusiastic group braves the damp, chilly weather! Read More Mar 10, 2024 ECRT Needs YOU! We would love to work with you! Read More Jan 26, 2024 Aurora Receives $4.5 Million NY Forward Award A portion of the Award will be used for trail improvements in West Falls. Read More Dec 21, 2023 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Awarded $278,800 EPF Grant through NYS Parks Grant awarded to assess the historic, high trestle Cascade Bridge spanning Cattaraugus Creek between the Towns of Concord and Ashford, and determine a cost estimate for a new decking design. Read More Nov 24, 2023 Show the trail some love on Giving Tuesday We are participating in GivingTuesday! Read More Nov 17, 2023 Trail Safety During Hunting Season Be seen and heard on the trail during your walk or ride Read More Nov 12, 2023 Historic West Falls Train Depot Opened for Visit Friends of the Rail Trail Tour West Falls Section Read More Oct 23, 2023 OP Trail Trot a success despite the drizzle! A little rain couldn't keep the ghouls and goblins away Read More Oct 2, 2023 2023 EA2EVL FONDO IS ANOTHER SELL OUT EVENT 400+ riders pedal 42 miles to support the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Read More Sep 21, 2023 Colden Trail Cleaned Up Small but mighty crew clears debris on Rail Trail in Colden. Read More Sep 12, 2023 Upcoming Fall Trail Events Let's go for a walk! Read More Sep 5, 2023 Why We Ride Rider registration fees and donations to this event help make incredible progress on the trail Read More Aug 24, 2023 Fondo Volunteers Needed So many ways that YOU can help! Read More Aug 14, 2023 Volunteer Crew Clears Weeds Orchard Park North trail section spruced up. Read More Aug 13, 2023 ECRT Friendraiser @42 North Brewing For every beer sold between 6-10 pm, a donation will be made to ECRT. Read More Aug 4, 2023 “Sculpture Alley” Debuts on Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Springville Springville trail and art supporters celebrate new works in Sculpture Alley. Read More Jul 20, 2023 Accessibility Improved at OP Depot tracks Rails no longer impede wheelchair access to the trail Read More Jul 12, 2023 EA2EVL Pale Ale is here! 42 North & Ellicottville Brewing Company collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo. Read More Jun 17, 2023 New section of Rail Trail Opened in Orchard Park Village! Multiuse trail now open from the Depot to Jewett-Holmwood Road. Read More Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Join us for 3rd Annual EA2EVL Fondo September 30 Beth Lasky Jun 1, 2023 42-mile charity ride supports ECRT Trail Join us on September 30 for the EA2EVL Fondo, a 42-mile epic road ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville on Saturday, September 30. The 42-mile route will venture down Route 240 through the fall foliage and rolling hills of Western New York and end with a celebration at the beautiful Holiday Valley. The best part: 100% of the proceeds benefit ECRT! PROGRESS! This event has SOLD OUT for two years and raised over $100,000 to support he ECRT trail. With these funds, we have removed the rails and ties, and improved the first 1.5 miles of the trail starting at the Orchard Park Village Depot. On June 17th, this section will open to the public, connecting to the 2 miles of natural surface trail open at Jewett Holmwood Road. EA2EVL 2023 funds will be used to expand and improve the trail south into the town of Aurora and West Falls. ​ Three ways YOU can help! ​ RIDE ON: If you are a biker, register today ! In addition to the registration fee, we’re asking all riders to fundraise for ECRT. A minimum of $100 in donations will earn you an event shirt and tickets for food and drinks at the finish line party. If you raise $500 or more, you also get an event jersey. The top fundraiser gets to wear the coveted yellow jersey. So sign up, raise some money for ECRT, and enjoy a great fall ride! REGISTER HERE ​ VOLUNTEER: We will need volunteers for the start line at 42 North in East Aurora, three water stops (Colden, Concord and West Valley), course pointers and traffic control on the route, and at the finish line party at Holiday Valley. Volunteers sign up HERE . We’ll be in touch with more specific instructions for your role. ​ DONATE: If you can't join us, you can still help by supporting one of the riders on our registration site HERE . SPREAD THE WORD! Invite others to join in the fun. Post this link to your social media: www.ea2evlfondo.com We hope to see you on September 30th! Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login