Cattaraugus State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 372-0645; [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: Towns of New Albion and Mansfield, Cattaraugus County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9M
• Map: Cattaraugus State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,059-acre Cattaraugus State Forest is a popular hunting and snowmobile riding destination.

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) carried out projects on this forest. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment for young men during the Great Depression. Projects included the planting of thousands of pine, larch and spruce trees in the open areas on the property. This property was mostly farm land at one time, and house sites can be found along the roads. A small school house was located on Smith Hill Road near the Mansfield town line. Some house sites can be located by looking for myrtle, a creeping vine with evergreen leaves, that was planted around the foundations by the settlers and now has spread to cover the forest floor in the area. There is a cemetery just north of this forest on West Hill Road that probably contains the remains of some of the inhabitants that used to live on this state forest.

Directions

From Little Valley, on Route 353 turn at the Fairgrounds onto Kahler Hill Road and go across the bridge. Turn left onto Toad Hollow Road (County Road 14). Drive north on this road to the Five Points intersection and turn left onto Krager Hill Road. Continue on this road to enter the state forest.

There are no designated parking areas on the unit, however roadside parking is available. The property is located at 42.325666°N, 78.820004°W (Google Maps). Coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace 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 Cattaraugus State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a Draft Cattaraugus Unit Management Plan (UMP) which describes the proposed management activities for these lands. 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 us at [email protected].

State Forests are managed for multiple uses. Forest management provides raw materials for New York's forest products industry, and a source of employment and income for many New Yorkers. They are managed for wildlife by the creation and maintenance of various habitats for species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey. They are also managed to provide recreational opportunities and for watershed protection.

Timber Management

Conifer - Stands of pine were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. These will be converted to hardwoods by removal of the conifer overstory and allowing the hardwood seedlings that usually exist in these stands to grow to be a new hardwood forest. Since much of this property was old field planted to conifer, there have been some major conifer removal projects. These projects will continue as rapidly as possible. Some white pine will be retained if possible as it is a native species and provides some wildlife benefit.

Hardwood - Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. Thinning of the forest through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees more growing space. This helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife, and future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth, but in almost all cases they are not old growth. Smaller trees in these stands were harvested prior to state ownership, and during state ownership the forest has been managed to favor large trees. Many other stands are mature and ready to regenerate. Thinning the stand promotes regeneration of new seedlings. This is followed by an overstory removal. Forest stands that are dominated by species that require direct sunlight for reproduction are managed this way. Forest stands that contain oak species may require the use of fire or other types of disturbance to maintain this forest type.

There are young hardwood stands that exist on this forest that were created as a result of past conifer to hardwood conversion projects. Some of these stands are now large enough to require some tree removal to maximize the growth of the best trees.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Dobbins State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Little Valley and Ellicottville.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Cattaraugus and Ellicottville.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Little Valley, Cattaraugus and Ellicottville.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Little Valley and Ellicottville.

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

Numerous guide books 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.