|  Overwhelmed
in Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park is
renowned for its trees | Allegany
Park is renowned for trees, and has one of the few old-growth forests in the state.by
Christopher Jon PetersonWe drove past the lake and swingsets and the recreational
area on purpose. There were big rocks and the roots of huge trees and most of
all, there was water to play in. Strikingly cold, beautifully clear water. Sophia,
my daughter, loved it. She started out jumping from rock to rock in one of Allegany
State Park's rivulets and finished up sitting in it up to her armpits. It was
April and this was snowmelt water; not exactly what most would call water fit
for a dip. But that's what's great about this 65,000-acre park. It has
something for everyone: A large lake full of fish, swamps for bird watchers, and
of course, the more traditional park amenities like campgrounds, nature trails,
playgrounds and cabins. | Today we wanted away from the crowd,
so we spent the entire afternoon along a little-used area near a brook. Juncos,
sparrow-like snowbirds with grey backs and white bellies, flitted from tree to
tree. Allegany Park is renowned for trees, and has one of the few old-growth
forests in the state. It's a great place for either an afternoon or an entire
vacation. For the sportsman, hunting for both big and small game is allowed
in portions of the park, though a special permit is needed. Fishing also abounds
in sleepy beaver ponds sporting bass, small brook trout streams and Red House
Lake. A special permit is needed to fish in the park, as well. Allegany
offers a variety of winter activities, including more than 45 kilometers of cross
country skiing trails. If you go: Allegany State Park. From Buffalo,
take state Route 17 east to Exit 19. From Rochester access state Route 17 west
to Exit 19. ·Cabin rentals at the park (380 cabins available) range
from $30.50 (no electric) a night to $66.25, with a two-night minimum. For info
call 716-354-9101. For reservations, 1-800-456-CAMP. ·Restaurant, sports
bar and grill, two sand beaches, two camp stores, three separate campgrounds.

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