Moss Hill State Forest
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Moss Hill State Forest (Steuben Reforestation Area # 10) is located four miles west of the village of Bath, in the Allegheny Plateau. This forest is located in the towns of Bath and Bradford, Steuben County.
Snowmobiling on Moss Hill
History
The first settlers in the town of Bath arrived around 1793. The town was formed in 1796. As noted in numerous other state forest descriptions, agricultural abandonment occurred relatively early (1910-1929) on the hilltop lands occupied by this state forest.
The majority of this property was acquired by the State in 1930-1939 under the terms of the Hewett Amendment and the terms of the Enlarged Reforestation Act. Smaller additions were made during the early 1960's under the authority of the Parks and Recreation land acquisition bond act. The current size is 1,815 acres.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) did not engage in any significant development work on this forest. Some small scale softwood tree planting was undertaken by Department crews in the 1950's and 1960's.
Much of the property for this state forest was acquired from the Lamoka Power Company, and was originally planned for a hydro-electric project. The Depression intervened. Funding for the hydro-electric project dried up, and the lands were sold to the State for use as a state forest.
This forest has a significant mineral history. Several natural gas wells were drilled immediately after World War II. These wells were abandoned in the 1950's. One notorious location, known locally as the "bubbler", remained open and vented gas to the atmosphere for almost 50 years. Several small fires occurred in this area as a result of this well. The well was plugged by the DEC in 2002.
Field Notes
Recreational opportunities on this state forest focus on rustic experiences with a limited amount of development. There are no formally designated trails. Town and county roads provide mountain biking opportunities. Hunting and trapping are also popular activities.
This forest shares a long common boundary with Birdseye Hollow State Forest (Steuben Reforestation Area #8). In some cases it is difficult to tell which forest you are in without a map!
Forest Stewardship Demonstration Tour is self-guided Forest Stewardship Demonstration Tour on Birdseye Hollow and Moss Hill State Forests. It has six road side stops which show different stages of forest growth; from young seedling/sapling stands, less than ten years old, to mature forests approaching 100 years of age. It is designed to show how forests change over time. It also demonstrates how forest management helps to maintain ecological diversity which provides a variety of benefits. Brochures are located at each stop, may be printed from the link above, or obtained from the Bath DEC office.
As noted above, this forest has a significant mineral history. Users should expect to see petroleum pipelines and electric transmission line corridors. These features provide good access to the forest interior (foot or horse traffic only, please).
Today, Moss Hill, 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. Fires should be well away from natural gas wellheads or pipelines.
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.
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
To gain access to this state forest from Bath, take State Highway 415 heading south. Turn left (northerly) onto Utegg Road, and then right (easterly) onto Irish Hill Road.
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
