IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc. (IMPACT) was organized in the spring and summer of 2021.  We incorporated as a non-profit corporation in July 2021.  We are registered with the New York State Charities Bureau and have received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS.

Located in central Allegany County, the West Almond Trail System is a series of loops and spurs, covering about 29 miles open to horses between June1 and September 30 annually. These are multi-purpose trails used by hikers, backpackers, trail runners, snowshoe and cross-country skiers.

The location of the trail system is ideal: average annual snowfall for this area exceeds most other areas of NYS due to its relatively high altitude and proximity to lake-effect snow events downwind from Lake Erie.   “Snow at higher elevations” means Phillips Creek trails are the place to be for outdoor winter activities!

Through a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, IMPACT is authorized to responsibly develop and groom the cross-country ski trails in Phillips Creek, Turnpike and Palmer’s Pond State Forests. We organize trail maintenance days on the third Saturday of April and September annually.

In winter 2021-2022 we groomed with a Ski-doo Skandic work sled and a compaction drag.   The 2022-2023 season had almost no opportunities for grooming, although the skiing and snowshoe conditions ranged from excellent to fair. Phillips Creek State Forest Trails 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are slated to be groomed next season, a total of 10 miles of trail.  A new Beginner Trail (0.8 miles, no elevation change) loops a Red Pine stand adjacent to the Parking Area.

Thanks to a grant from the Bethesda Foundation of Hornell, we have a new 6 ½ foot roller and compactor to build a firm base as soon as snowfall permits. That grant also supplied funds for a 46″ compaction drag with a track setter attachment. Check our Facebook and Instagram pages for up-to-date information of trail conditions.