Zoar Valley

Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
The Cattaraugus Creek's South Branch winding through a gorge within the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
Map showing the location of Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
Map showing the location of Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
Location of Zoar Valley within New York State
LocationCattaraugus and Erie counties, New York
Nearest cityGowanda
Coordinates42°26′20″N 78°53′38″W / 42.439°N 78.894°W / 42.439; -78.894
Area3,014 acres (12.20 km2)
Established1961
Governing bodyNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Zoar Valley is an area of deep gorges along the Main and South branches of Cattaraugus Creek in western New York, United States. The valley is located along the border of Erie County and Cattaraugus County, roughly between the villages of Gowanda to the west and Springville to the east.

The core area surrounding the confluence of the Cattaraugus Creek's Main and South branches is protected as the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, a conservation area located within the towns of Collins, Otto, and Persia. The protected area is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and is open to the public for fishing, hunting, hiking, white-water rafting, and wildlife and scenic viewing.

Canyon depths within the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area are the greatest within the entire Cattaraugus Creek corridor, ranging up to 380 feet (120 m) along the South Branch and 480 feet (150 m) along the Main Branch. Several nearly vertical rock faces approach 400 feet (120 m) in height. The property also contains large stands of old-growth forest with trees of unusual size and height, which are further protected as part of the state-designated Zoar Valley Unique Area.