Pine Hill State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 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 Randolph and South Valley, Cattaraugus County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9R
• Map: Pine Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Horse Trail Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Pine Hill State Forest totals 1,139 acres. The most common recreational uses of this area are hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, carried out various projects at Pine Hill State Forest. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the Great Depression. Projects included road construction and the planting of thousands of pine, larch and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.

Pine Hill State Forest has a number of old fields that were planted with conifer trees. When trees were planted in old fields, grass fires were always a threat to the new plantation. Rock-lined water holes were created to provide a water supply for fire fighting, and in some instances tree watering. One of these water holes still exists on the property.

For more history on this unit, visit the Painted Hills Genealogy Society (leaves DEC website). Their website includes cemetery records and local history.

Directions

From Route 86, take Exit 16 and drive east on Main Street, then turn right on Larkin Street. Drive to the end of Larkin Street and turn right onto Archer Hill Road. When you reach Pine Hill Road turn left and follow this to Pierce Run Road which continues to the left. The State Forest begins at this intersection. To get to Pineapple Junction, turn left onto Carr Corners Road. Pineapple Junction and Hotchkiss Ridge Forest Road are at the top of the hill.

To reach the Pineapple Junction parking area when towing a horse trailer, use either Pierce Run Road or Sarver Road; do not use Oldro Hill Road (which turns into Carr Corners Road at the intersection with Sarver Road) due to poor road conditions for horse trailers. Sarver Road is a climb in places but it is paved to the Carr Corners Road intersection, making for a smooth transport. Pierce Run Road is gravel and is suitable for horse trailers but can be muddy during certain times of the year.

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

• Pineapple Junction parking area (42.089762°N, 78.977279°W) Google Maps 
• Hotchkiss Ridge Forest Road parking area (42.087646°N, 78.971097°W) Google Maps

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 Pine Hill 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.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a Draft Cattaraugus Unit Management Plan 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].

Timber Management

Pine Hill State Forest is managed for multiple uses such as public recreation, timber production, wildlife habitat and watershed protection.

The forests in this unit are under a sustainable management program designed to produce timber crops, maintain diverse wildlife habitat and provide recreational opportunities while protecting water quality and aesthetics. As an added bonus, many access roads and trails are created on this unit while implementing various timber management practices. These access improvements are widely used by recreationalists to access this remote property.

The stands of pine, spruce and larches were originally planted in old abandoned farm fields, as a conservation measure in the 1930s to control soil and water runoff. These conifers are usually managed by a series of partial thinnings followed at the end of the growing cycle by an overstory removal. The previous thinnings allow the necessary sunlight into the forest stand to encourage the growth of native hardwood seedlings. The removal of the overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow toward maturity. The conifer wood is used for construction lumber, poles and pulp.

The vast majority of this forest is made up of native hardwoods trees which regenerate naturally on site. Periodic thinnings are prescribed for these hardwood forests through the sale of forest products to improve growing space for the remaining trees. This helps to keep the forest healthy while providing openings for new seedling growth, a constant supply of food for wildlife and a source of future forests.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• South Valley State Forest
• Randolph Fish Hatchery
• Allegany State Park 

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Falconer, Frewsburg, Jamestown, Randolph and Steamburg.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Falconer, Frewsburg, Jamestown and Randolph.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Falconer, Frewsburg, Jamestown, Randolph and Steamburg.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Falconer, Jamestown and Randolph.

Cattaraugus County Tourism 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.