Texas Hollow State Forest

View Map Image || View Map PDF (158 kb)

Texas Hollow State Forest (Schuyler Reforestation Area # 3) is located about 6 miles east of Watkins Glen, near the hamlet of Bennettsburg. It covers approximately 937 acres in the towns of Hector and Catharine in Schuyler County.

Pond on Texas Hollow

History
This area was settled beginning in the late 1700's. As noted in numerous other state forest descriptions, agricultural abandonment occurred relatively early (1910-1929) on the hilltop lands occupied by this state forest.

These lands were purchased by the people of New York State starting in the 1930s, for timber production, recreational use, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat. In the 1930s, this area was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was established by the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide employment opportunities for men during the Great Depression. Conservation projects completed here include the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees and construction of water holes.

The CCC was quite active on this and adjacent state forests in the early days. In 1935, camp S-123 was established on Pine Creek Rd, on nearby Sugar Hill State Forest. The CCC camp was closed Oct. 31, 1941, with the pending start of WWII, so later plantings were done by inmates and/or DEC staff. In 1935, 268 acres of trees were planted on Texas Hollow State Forest and 14 acres in 1971.

State forests now provide opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities. They also provide wood for New York's forest products industry, a major part of New York's economy.

Field Notes
The Finger Lakes/North Country Trail (foot traffic only) passes through Texas Hollow State Forest. There is one pond constructed with a man-made dike, with a concrete control structures to discharge water. This pond can be accessed from Texas Hollow Rd with a short walk down an access road that is also the Finger Lakes Trail. In addition Texas Hollow State Forest has several naturally occurring ponds and bogs.

Hunting and trapping are pursued by both local residents and by those from outside the local area.

As many of the plantations established by the CCC reach the end of their natural life (75-100 years of age), they are converting to natural hardwood stands.

Today, Texas Hollow and all state forests in New York are managed for multiple benefits to serve the needs of the people of New York. Sustainable management practices ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities and clean water.

State Forest Regulations
Anyone enjoying the use of this state forest must observe the following rules which protect them and the forest environment:
1. Do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
2. If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and downed trees only. Never leave a fire unattended. Use fire rings where provided. Extinguish fires completely before you leave. Be careful with fire and cigarettes in the forest.
3. All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off road use of motorized vehicles, such as ATVs, trail bikes and four-wheel drives is not allowed, except where specifically permitted by signs, posted notice or by DEC permit. Do not block roadways and trail entrances.
4. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a forest ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trail.
5. No permanent structures should be established, including tree stands or blinds.

Directions
From Watkins Glen take State Rte. 79 east. Turn right onto Texas Hollow Rd.
Comments and Suggestions
State forest lands are owned by all New York State Residents and represent a significant natural heritage for future generations. The Department of Environmental Conservation strives to manage these lands for the best long-term interests. We appreciate your help. If you have suggestions on how we can improve the management of these lands, please let us know. Address your concerns to the Lands and Forests DEC Region 8 Bath Sub-Office.

For further information on management activities:
Contact State Land Management Working Group, DEC Bath Sub-Office 607-776-2165. (M-F; 8:30 am to 4:45 pm)

Important Telephone Numbers
Fire and Law Enforcement : 585-226-6706 or 911
State Forest Office (M - F; 8:30 am to 4:45 pm) 607-776-2165