Robinson Hollow State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Richford in Tioga County, Town of Caroline in Tompkins County and Town of Harford in Cortland County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7R
• Map: Robinson Hollow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Robinson Hollow State Forest encompasses a total of 1,968 acres in three southern tier counties. Fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, trapping, informal camping and bird watching are some of the recreational opportunities that Robinson Hollow offers.

Directions

Robinson Hollow State Forest may be accessed by taking NY Route 38 to Harford. Turn onto Creamery Road (across from the junction with RT 221). Travel southwest about 0.3 miles. Bear right onto Lacey Road and travel about 2.1 miles to the top of the hill.

• The stocked fishing pond and parking lot are on the right (42.40865°N, 76.25256°W) Google Maps
• Kimmee lean-to along the Finger Lakes trail (42.39057°N, 76.27181°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Robinson Hollow State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices (#28708) for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Tri-County Uplands Unit Management Plan (PDF) with Tri-County UMP Maps (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email [email protected].

History

Robinson Hollow State Forest, like many of New York's state forests, had originally been cleared and farmed by European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. Unfortunately, the upland soils of the Allegheny Plateau are thin, relatively steep and acidic. As such, the ground is not fit for intensive farming. When combined with harsh winters and a short growing season, it is quite understandable that farmers abandoned these lands in pursuit of more fertile properties in the Midwest.

The majority of Robinson Hollow State Forest was purchased between 1934 and 1941. Five additional purchases were made in the 1960s, with two more purchases in the 1980s. The previous owners included the Oliver, Fitzcharles, Wattles, Beam, Dickenson, Wright, Allen, Hoaglin, Loring, Welch, Royce, Morton, Gardiner, Brown, Beebe, Wuensch, Cortright, and Donato families.

Between 1935 and 1939, the Slaterville Springs Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-125 hand planted more than 793,000 tree seedlings on the land. Another 211,000 seedlings were added in 1962 by the Conservation Department, and more than 40,000 were planted in 1963 with just a tractor and a spade. The McCormick Youth Camp hand planted more than 57,000 tree seedlings in 1966 and 1967. In 1981, another 10,000 seedlings were added to the land in Robinson Hollow. The majority of the seedlings planted were softwood species, including Norway spruce, red pine, and white pine.

Today, the landscape has been completely transformed from farm and pasture land to forest. It provides many ecological services such as soil and water conservation, carbon storage, nutrient recycling and clean air.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Hammond Hill State Forest
• Anderson Hill State Forest
• Potato Hill State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Ithaca.

Tioga County Tourism Office can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.