National park · United States
Allegany State Park
Enter Allegany State Park for a day: pay the vehicle entry fee (≈ $8) and hike the Red House Lake Loop (2 km (1.2 mi), easy) in the morning, or spend a weekend camping in the Quaker area and explore Mt. Tuscarora Fire Tower (5 km (3.1 mi) round‑trip, moderate).Enter Allegany State Park for a day: pay the vehicle entry fee (≈ $8) and hike the Red House Lake Loop (1.2 mi (2 km), easy) in the morning, or spend a weekend camping in the Quaker area and explore Mt. Tuscarora Fire Tower (3.1 mi (5 km) round‑trip, moderate).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
263 km² (102 sq mi)102 sq mi (263 km²)
approximate
Established
1921
Best months
Apr–May, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 263 km² (102 sq mi)102 sq mi (263 km²)
- Figures vary by source: roughly 263 km² (65,000 acres); the park is New York State's largest single property outside the Adirondacks and Catskills.
- Established
- 1921
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Allegany State Park covers a forested plateau in western New York with two main areas: Red House (lodge, lake, easy trails) and Quaker (larger lake, backcountry hiking, cabins). The park has an extensive trail network used for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing, plus historic sites such as the Stone Tower and Mt. Tuscarora Fire Tower. It is a year-round destination for camping, fishing, hunting and wildlife spotting, with black bears and bald eagles present.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1921.
Size and age
263 km² (102 sq mi)102 sq mi (263 km²) · national park since 1921
Figures vary by source: roughly 263 km² (65,000 acres); the park is New York State's largest single property outside the Adirondacks and Catskills.
Why go
- Large, forested plateau with many lakes and historic sites.
- Extensive trail network for hiking, mountain biking and cross‑country skiing.
- Backcountry camping and cabin options in a relatively uncrowded setting.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold, snow possible; some roads close.
- FebWinter conditions remain.
- MarMelting snow, trails opening.
- AprMild temps, wildflowers.
- MayWarm, dry, full trail access.
- JunWarm, occasional thunderstorms.
- JulHeat, bugs, some road closures.
- AugHeat, higher fire risk.
- SepCooler, fewer crowds.
- OctFall colours, comfortable hiking.
- NovEarly snow, limited services.
- DecSnow, many facilities closed.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bearsMar–Nov · Keep food stored; carry bear spray. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Bald eaglesApr–Sep · Often seen near Quaker Lake. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| White‑tailed deerAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Buffalo, NY
Take I‑86 east to exit 20, then follow signs to Red House entrance (≈ 45 km (28 mi)).Take I‑86 east to exit 20, then follow signs to Red House entrance (≈ 28 mi (45 km)).
1 h
From Rochester, NY
Drive north on I‑86, exit 20 to Red House or continue to Quaker entrance (≈ 90 km (56 mi)).Drive north on I‑86, exit 20 to Red House or continue to Quaker entrance (≈ 56 mi (90 km)).
1.5 h
From New York City
Fly to Buffalo or drive 5 h via I‑90 and I‑86; then follow local directions.
5–6 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Red House Area | Lodge, visitor centre, Red House Lake, easy trails and campgrounds. | Open year‑round; some facilities seasonal. |
| Quaker Area | Quaker Lake, backcountry cabins, Mt. Tuscarora Fire Tower, larger campground. | Open year‑round; road closures possible in winter. |
| Art Roscoe Ski Area | Cross‑country ski trails, summer mountain‑bike use. | Winter only when snow present. |
Sketch map
- 1Red House Lodge · Headquarters≈42.103, -78.745Visitor centre and main entrance.Map ↗
- 2Quaker Lake · Viewpoint≈42.050, -78.872Largest lake, fishing and kayaking.Map ↗
- 3Mt. Tuscarora Fire Tower · Viewpoint≈42.027, -78.867Panoramic views; winter closure.Map ↗
- 4Thunder Rocks · Viewpoint≈42.042, -78.696Rock formations, 4‑WD recommended.Map ↗
- 5Bear Caves · Cave≈42.013, -78.802Large rock shelters; wildlife area.Map ↗
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are park centre near Red House; precise points taken from official maps.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle entry fee (per car, per day) | US$8 | vehicle | Check for seasonal discounts. |
| Individual entry (per person, per day) | US$4 | person | If not arriving by vehicle. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$8
- US$4
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on New York State Parks – Allegany State Park before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on most trails; not permitted on fire tower stairs.
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds or backcountry sites with a permit.
- Firearms
- Allowed only during legal hunting seasons with proper license.
- Drones
- Prohibited without park authority permission.
- Alcohol
- Allowed only in private cabins or designated picnic areas.
Where to stay
In the park
Red House Lodge
Restaurant, store and limited cabins near the lake.
In the park
Quaker Area Campgrounds
Tent sites, RV spots and cabins.
Near the park
Salamanca, NY
Hotels and motels a short drive from the park.
Safety
Bears medium
Winter road closures medium
Heat and dehydration low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Red House Lodge and main parking areas have paved paths and limited wheelchair access.
- Most trails are unpaved and steep; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Carry out all trash; use provided recycling bins.
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile forest floor.
- Support the park by purchasing from the Red House store.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Allegany State Park?
Vehicle entry is about $8 per day; individuals without a vehicle pay $4. Fees are collected at the Red House or Quaker entrance stations.
What are the best hikes in Allegany State Park?
Red House Lake Loop (easy), Mt. Tuscarora Fire Tower (moderate, 5 km round‑trip), Beehunter Trail (moderate, 6 km) and Thunder Rocks (moderate, 4 km).
When is the best time to visit Allegany State Park?
Late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) offer mild weather, full trail access and fewer crowds.
Can I camp in the park without a reservation?
Backcountry sites require a permit; campgrounds accept first‑come, first‑served in summer but reserve in advance for cabins.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Leashed dogs are permitted on most trails, but not on fire tower stairs or in backcountry cabins.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Allegany State Park
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