What to Expect

When you arrive at any of the possible entrances onto the Amish Trail, please know that you are distanced from city life, busy streets and rush hour traffic. You will come upon many Amish Buggy’s that are going at their comfortable speed of 10mph. Don't be in a hurry to get around them, slow down and appreciate the countryside. If you must pass, please wait until it is very safe to do so and do not honk your horn as you may startle the horse.

Because we are out in the country, do not expect to find the typical modern day conveniences you may accustomed to. The closest fast food restaurant will be at least 15 miles from anywhere you may be along the trail. We have many fabulous locally owned restaurants along the way.

Public restrooms and gas stations are not something you will find on every street corner either.

We have a wonderful map that designates much of what you will need to ensure your visit to us is pleasant and fulfilling. These maps may be picked up at any of the businesses listed on this site as you enter our area.  There is not one "Amish Store" like something you may find in Ohio or Pennsylvania. These are all small, individual shops with small, sometimes handmade signs designating what they sell or Open/Closed.

Amish Toy Shop

Please do not take photos of the Amish people. You may stop at any of the designated shops where you will find an OPEN sign, but please respect that this is a community with homes and families just like yours.

No shops will be open on Sundays thru out the Amish Community, and many of the “English” shops will be closed as well so plan accordingly.  Wednesday is another day, not always, that you could find some of the Amish shops closed.  The fact that these people tend to gather together for weddings, funerals, barn raisings and other "family" functions is the reason you may find this to be the case.  Unfortunately, you may be thinking this would be something wonderful to view, these functions are not open to outsiders.

The majority of New York's Amish Trail is located in the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County and others in to the Chautauqua-Allegheny Region of Western New York.

What the Amish are doing

The beginning of January finds the Amish harvesting ice for use through the summer. The whole family gathers to sweep and shovel snow off the farm pond. The men and boys cut the ice in blocks and pull it out of the water with large ice tongs. It gets hauled on the wagon and then is put in ice houses near or in their houses. The ice is covered with wood shavings or straw and is used as their "refrigerator". The ice blocks last well into the fall, as there is no other refrigeration. No wonder ice cream is always a big treat!

The horses have their winter coats of heavy fur. They haul loads of manure from the barns to spread on the fields. Their wagons have metal or wood wheels - no rubber tires. The horse that is pictured is a "work horse" they have other smaller horses to lead their buggies and open wagons that they take to town.

Amish children walk to school every day. As you pass by an Amish school you often see sleds and other things used to play on during recess or to "ride on" to school.

Amish women are busy sewing and quilting. All the Amish clothes are made by hand. Everything except the men's hats are made by hand and everyone wears blue and black, even babies. Many women sell their sewing projects at home in their own shops but if they live off the main road then they sell their things in others' shops. These shops have quilts in all sizes, quillows (a pillow with a quilt attached) and many other items.