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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.

About Us Organization: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in September 2008. Membership includes individuals from communities adjoining the railbanked trail who are interested in the development and operation of the multi-use trail on the rail corridor. Mission: The mission of ECRT is to preserve the 27-mile Buffalo-Pittsburgh rail corridor and transform it into a multi-use recreational trail between Orchard Park and Ashford, New York, enhancing the quality of life in the Western New York community. Purpose: Public recreation – Provide opportunities for walking, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and nature observation along the abandoned rail corridor. We wish to provide an important recreational resource for Western New Yorkers and visitors to our region. Health, Education, and Resource Protection: P rotect and maintain the rail corridor as a natural and cultural resource. Our objectives include a desire to increase community knowledge of rail-to-trail related natural history and to encourage school participation in restoring, maintaining, and using the corridor for educational, recreational, job training, and community service activities. Economic Development: Stimulate economic development through the promotion of tourism and trail-related businesses. Core Valu es Dedication: The ECRT Board is a group of hard-working volunteers that is passionately committed to realizing a fully operational 27-mile multi use trail between Orchard Park and Ashford. The project is a significant challenge that will take several years and substantial financial resources to complete. The ECRT Board recognizes trail construction as a mandate of the Federal Rail Banking Agreement with the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad in accordance with the National Trail Act. Compassion: We realize that some community members have concerns about a multi use trail in their backyard or neighborhood. We are committed to listening to those concerns, and will work to the best of our ability to find practical solutions to realistic concerns whenever possible. Integrity: Honesty and credibility form the foundation on which relationships are built. We pledge to operate with integrity and transparency. Safety: We use sound management practices to ensure that the ECRT remains safe for trail users. These practices include trail allowable use and trail etiquette rules, trail monitors and patrollers, risk management efforts, effective signs and warning systems, emergency response plans, and a maintenance plan that limits safety risks from maintenance issues. Accountability: We will be exemplary stewards of the financial resources provided to us and will operate with efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing our mission. Community: We focus on creating a valued community asset that connects people, encourages healthy and active lifestyles, and fosters community enhancements. We pledge to continue engaging with youth, elderly, service groups, and those with mobility challenges, to foster appreciation of the natural environment and outdoor activity. Our community-minded efforts include economic development opportunities in trail-adjacent communities by creating or improving community connectivity, promoting existing services and amenities currently available, supporting improvements to services and amenities, and aligning with local and regional plans to amplify economic revitalization efforts already in motion. Collaboration: Understanding and addressing community needs and concerns is central to our mission. Working together results in greater benefits for the trail, its users, and the community. We engage with community voices through user survey programs and visioning meetings. Listening sessions with potential trail users, governmental entities, first responders and other community organizations advance collaborative efforts. Equitable and Inclusive: We will include, benefit, and empower people of different views, experiences, and identities. We believe that every person regardless of race, gender, geography, income, age, ability, sexual orientation or expression or other status, deserves access to a free, accessible, and safe place to walk, bike, and to be active. We believe the ECRT will have the power to positively transform the communities it connects, along with the entire surrounding WNY community, by creating a joyful, safe, and vibrant public space that is equitable and inclusive. Primary Objectives Provide a safe place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation. Preserve the historic former railroad corridor through adaptive reuse. Encourage economic and community development through trail-related activities while building closer, stronger connections within and across towns, villages and counties. Improve health and well-being in WNY. Future Trail Our Board of Directors

Deb Fenn Karen Parysek Karen Parysek has been an active volunteer with ECRT for over 10 years and the author of several successful grant applications as exemplified in Concord’s redecked bridges, an accessible ramp to the historic Springville Trout Pond, and our efforts to connect an elementary school bike path to our trail in Colden. Raised on a farm in Eden, NY, Karen grew up with three siblings, as well as four children from Buffalo, fostered by her parents during her childhood years. She attended Eden Central School where she excelled in math and science. Karen was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Rochester, majoring in chemical and engineering. After graduating, she joined Linde-Praxair where she used her problem-solving skills in a wide variety of positions: energy systems engineering, market development for materials, procurement, Six Sigma, marketing and sales. She finished her career in R&D, where she developed collaborations for emerging clean energy technologies with universities, startups and national labs, learning about the grant-making ecosystem in the process. It was this experience that she has been able to directly transfer to the benefit of ECRT. Karen raised two sons, now in their 30s, both of whom found success following in their mother’s engineering footsteps. Back-country canoe camping and wildflowers are among her outdoor passions. Throughout her adult life, she has been a dedicated and active volunteer, supporting a number of worthy non-profits, most significantly Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley where she volunteers as an adaptive ski instructor. “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! September 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Share your feedback by September 18th! < Back West Falls NY Forward Feedback Form Deb Fenn Sep 5, 2024 Share your feedback by September 18th! Thank you to each of you who were able to make it to the 2nd West Falls NY Forward Public Workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 4th. More than 50 attended! In addition to residents having the in-person opportunity to evaluate the 14 projects currently under consideration, there is an online project feedback form that residents can complete. The form will remain open until September 18th . Visit the project website at https://www.westfallsnyforward.com/ and select the Project Feedback button, or scan the QR code below. Previous Next

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

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail has secured a rail banking agreement to develop the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad corridor into a multi-use recreational trail. For Immediate Release ECRT, Inc. Secures Long-Term Rail Banking Agreement with Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad Lease approves construction of a 27-mile multiuse trail in Western New York (August 16, 2018) ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.: The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. (ECRT) and Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) announced the signing of a 49-year rail banking agreement that allows the non-profit organization, by federal statue, to construct a multi-use recreational trail on the 27-mile former rail line in Western New York. The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail begins in Erie County at the historic rail depot in the Village of Orchard Park, and follows the inactive rail line connecting the towns of Orchard Park, Aurora, Colden, Concord, and the Village of Springville. The trail ends in Cattaraugus County in the Town of Ashford. “We’re so pleased to reach an agreement with the Erie County Rail Trail organization,” stated B&PRR Marketing Director Kevin Bowser. “They value our railroad history, the natural attributes of the corridor, and the outstanding recreation and economic potential the trail will bring to the community. We fully support their efforts to create this trail.” The ECRT trail features historic rail depots, quaint villages, woodlands, marshes, farmlands, popular ski areas and a spectacular high-trestle bridge. The 1.7-mile Springville Pop Warner Trail is already open and is a model for trail development. The remaining trail will be built in sections as community meetings are held, funding is secured and a visioning plan is complete. “We’re thrilled to have a signed agreement so we can start building the trail,” said Deborah Fenn, ECRT’s co-chair. “Our goals are to protect and maintain the trail as a natural, cultural and historic resource while providing a safe, welcoming place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation.” ECRT, Inc. is currently seeking funding for economic studies and plan design, and meeting with municipal, county and state leaders to inform them of the agreement and to discuss next steps. The group is also setting up local engagement meetings with adjacent landowners, community members and other stakeholders to discuss preferences for trail surfaces, activities, access points, and to address privacy and safety concerns. “Trails like these are quiet economic generators,” noted ECRT Co-chair, Gary Willert, who was instrumental in the negotiation process. “Research shows that homes and property values are likely to increase the closer they are to the trail. We hope the trail will promote economic growth and foster strong community connections while preserving the unique character of our quaint towns and villages.” ABOUT ECRT, INC. Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)3 volunteer organization formed in 2008 to support New York State Park’s effort to create a linear park along an inactive Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) rail line. In 2018, ECRT, Inc. and B&PRR reached a long-term rail banking agreement to begin construction of a 27-mile multiuse trail. Today, ECRT has over 6,000 friends and community supporters and is currently seeking funding from state and federal sources, foundations and individuals for economic impact studies and design plans. To volunteer, contribute or support the trail, contact ECRT, Inc. at www.ecattrail.org

Browse more than 150 new products and save 15% on your purchases until August 21st. < Back New Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Merchandise Deborah Stellrecht Aug 15, 2024 Browse more than 150 new products and save 15% on your purchases until August 21st. We're excited to announce our NEW online store today - the ECRT Shop. There you'll find ECRT branded clothing items to suit anyone's style, mugs, stickers, water bottles and more. When you buy, you'll also be giving to the trail, because ECRT receives a percentage of each purchase! ecrt-shop.myspreadshop.com Previous Next

Deb Fenn Howy Holmes Howy Holmes ( affectionately known as "Mr. Orchard Park") 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 Bridle 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!” June 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Frequent Questions Just the Facts Become a trail expert. More Info General Questions Learn more about the future trail, how it's anticipated to be built and maintained, and more. More Info Trail Users Discover which uses are anticipated for the trail at this time as well as details on when and how you can explore the trail in the future. More Info Trail Neighbors Specifically for our neighbors with property adjacent to the rail corridor, get answers to specific questions about privacy, safety/security, liability, home values, and more. More Info

Explore the proposed Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! View renderings, photos, video, and more. Explore Explore the future Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Follow the links below to see concept renderings, photos, videos, maps, and online resources related to the future trail. Concept Renderings E xplore the renderings of the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad Corridor, created b y Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in conjunction with the UB Urban Design Project.  Here you will find current photos and concept renderings of the future trail as it travels through Orchard Park, NY. Explore Photos View photos of the rail corr idor in it s current condition as well as photos of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail events, other completed rail trails, and more. View Photos Videos View videos and presentations from Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail speakers and other trail managers. View Videos Links, Resources, Presentations Here you can explore other completed rail-trails, find links to trail studies, and download Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail presentations, letters of support, and more! More Info B&PR Trail Communities Learn more about the B&PR Trail Com munities. Learn More Aerial Tour Enjoy this virtual tour of the ECRT Trail. The ECRT is over 27 miles long and runs from Orchard park to Ashford, crossing through five municipalities and two counties. Watch the Aerial Tour video See the Trail Map

ECRT fans enjoyed a beautiful day on the trail! < Back Springville Concord Fall Walk MC Dearing Oct 27, 2025 ECRT fans enjoyed a beautiful day on the trail! Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail fans enjoyed a beautiful day on the trail in the Springville/Concord section recently. The walk was led by Springville-Concord Friends leader, Mary Carol Dearing. Several walkers were proudly sporting their EA2EVL Fondo t-shirts! Thank you all for displaying and sharing your trail enthusiasm. Previous Next