Jenksville State Forest

Jenksville State Forest (Tioga #8) encompasses 1349 acres of land in the towns of Berkshire and Newark Valley in northeastern Tioga County.

History

The forest was established between 1940 and 1945 in an effort to reduce soil erosion problems, produce forest products and provide future recreational opportunities. Most of the property was former pasture or tilled acreage that was suffering from poor agricultural practices. The DEC planted this land with 837,000 pines, spruce, fir, cedar, larch and oak seedlings. The planting was accomplished in 1940 and 1941 using Civilian Conservation Corps labor. Today Jenksville State Forest is fulfilling the vision which started in 1940. Almost 99% of the area is forested, the soils have been improved, and the harvesting of forest products supports all management activities including recreation.

Field Notes

Jenksville State Forest is a popular area for recreation. Present activities include hunting, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, horseback riding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, trapping, and cross-country skiing. ATV use is prohibited on State forests. Due to increased use, a formalized trail system has been established.

Trails

The Jenksville State Forest Multiple Use Trail System has been designed to offer family-based recreation for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-county skiing. Trails are available to serve beginner and intermediate users. Maintenance of the 12-mile Jenksville Multiple Use Trail System is a cooperative effort between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Lands and Forests and volunteers from the Adopt-A-Natural-Resource (AANR) program.

The trails are marked with circular trail makers. All trails are designed by color and number. Trail head parking is provided in two location-a small lot on Baker Road and a larger lot (to accommodate horse trailers) on Allison Hill Road. The trails are classified by the user's ability. Beginner trails have very gentle slopes and are fairly short in length. Intermediate trails have gentle to somewhat steep slopes and are moderate in length. Advanced trails have gentle to steep slopes and some sections with difficult side slopes. These trails are usually longer in length than intermediate trails.

Red Trails- Total length 3.6 miles

Trail 1- beginner trail .5 miles long
Trail 2- beginner trail .5 miles long
Trail 3- beginner trail .1 miles long
Trail 4- beginner trail 1.4 miles long
Trail 5- intermediate trail 1.1 miles long

Trail 1 utilizes an access road leading to the radio tower. Trails 2, 3, 4, and 5 are narrow trails that meander though the forest.

Blue Trails- Total length 5.1 miles

Trail 1- intermediate trail 1.1 miles long
Trail 2- beginner trail .4 miles long
Trail 3- advanced trail 2.1 miles long
Trail 4- intermediate trail .4 miles long
Trail 5- intermediate trail .3 miles long
Trail 6- advanced trail .4 miles long
Trail 7- intermediate trail .4 miles long
Trail 7- intermediate trail .4 miles long

The blue trails have the highest elevation, 1690'. Therefore, these trails are probably best suited for cross-country skiing. Trails 1 and 7 utilize old logging roads and fire lanes. Trails 2,3, 4, 5 and 6 are narrow trails that meander through the forest.

Yellow Trails-Total length 3.5 miles

Trail 1- intermediate trail 1.3 miles long
Trail 2 -intermediate trail .1 miles long
Trail 3- intermediate trail .7 miles long
Trail 4- intermediate trial 1.4 miles long

The Yellow trails primarily utilize old fire lands and roads. Some sections of Trails 1,2 and 4 are narrow trails that meander though the forest. The westernmost point of Trail 2 provides a scenic view of Jenksville and the valley to the south. From this point, the trail runs northeast through a clear-cut that was harvested in 1993. The goal of the harvest was to convert the softwood stand planted in 1941 to natural hardwoods and to provide a seedling/sapling forest type which is in decline in this landscape. There is a large red oak tree along Trail 4. This old open grown tree is 60' in diameter and approximately 200 years old.

Trail Etiquette

Pass only in flat areas. A faster trail user should vocally indicate the desire to pass. The slower trail user should yield by moving to the right where possible.
Try not to pass on a downhill. Save passing for the flat areas where the slower trail user can maneuver more easily.
The user going downhill has the right-of-way, since he or she is moving faster and may have less control. Do not descend a hill until the trail is clear.
Move off the trail as quickly as possible after a fall. This will prevent possible collisions and allow other trail users to pass. When skiing, fill in sitzmarks before proceeding.
Don't hike, bike or ski alone. Long tours should not be attempted alone. Serious injury can occur when using the trails.
Do not hike or bike in the ski tracks.
Treat all other users with respect. Mountain bikers and hikers should yield to horses. Horses can become skittish or spooked by sudden movements.

State Forest Regulations

Anyone enjoying the use of this State Forest must observe the following rules which protect them and the forest environment:

Do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and downed trees only. Never leave a fire unattended.
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.
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.
No permanent structures should be established, including tree stands or blinds.

Directions

From Owego take State route 38 north to County route 33 north. Follow Rt. 33 to either Allison Hill Road (on the right) or Ford Hill Road ( also on the fight). Turn left onto either of these road to access the forest. Allison Hill Road will only access a small portion of the forest in the southwestern corner. It then heads south and out of the forest.

If using Ford Hill Road, follow for about 1.5 miles and then bear right at the fork in the road onto Baker Road. Baker Road will take you through the main portion of the forest. It comes out of the forest and becomes Shirley Road heading south back towards State route 38.

Important Numbers

State Forest Office (M-F 8am-4pm): 607-753-3095

Emergencies: 911