Bentley Nature Preserve

Visited November 23, 2022

Google Map Address: Bentley Nature Preserve, Bentley Avenue, Jamestown, NY

Parking: Room for 3+ cars in the parking area during the non-snow season. We parked along the road; our two cars were the only ones there this morning.

40 degrees, sunny, no breeze, 10:30-11:10 AM

No restroom facilities available

The preserve is free to enter.

Leashed dogs are welcome. Wesley recommends that his doggie friends get vaccinated for Lyme disease and be treated monthly for fleas and ticks.

The trails I went on were clear to see and blazed with red and yellow paint. There were many bridges to span the wettest areas but a few are in need of repair caution is recommended.

I walked 1.25 miles with Wesley and my friend, Mary Ann, and her two dogs. Most of the trails were single file. We wore waterproof boots. The stream winding its way through the preserve makes its way to Chautauqua Lake but I could not find its name on Google maps. I appreciated my friend sharing this place that is very special to her. There were many benches along the two trails. Wesley loves trails with water that he can step into a few times along the way so this area is definitely one of his favorites.

The trails have a natural surface. I prefer long pants for my walks but I suppose people could wear shorts during the warmer months if they stayed on the trails.

I do not think that attempting these trails with a stroller would be very enjoyable with the bridge steps.

We did not see anyone else while we were on the trails.

I did not see any trash.

The mosquitos respected the cooler temperatures and were not a problem but I image they would be out in force in this environment in warmer months.

I saw deer hoof prints and as I drove away, I saw a bald eagle fly overhead. There were mosses and a variety of tree species including oaks, pines, hemlocks, black cherry, ash, and maples.

Website for the preserve: https://chautauquawatershed.org/2019/02/28/bentley-preserve/

Nearby:

Less than 10 minutes away:

Roger Tory Peterson Visitor Center and Trails and the College Park (both described on my previous pages)

Killa Kookies and Kream, 3423 Fluvanna Avenue, Jamestown, NY

(My friend recommended I stop by if only to smell this amazing place. Of course, I could not leave without sugar cookies for me and peanut butter cookies to take to my husband.)

10 minute drive:

Bemus Point Inn Restaurant, Main Street, Bemus Point, NY

I really enjoyed watching the wait staff interact with the regular patrons. It was very sweet.

https://www.bemuspointinn.com/

Update 1/14/23: Visited again. 18 degrees at 9:45 AM