Harris Hill State Forest
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Harris Hill Management Unit is comprised of three state reforestation areas encompassing a total of 3554 acres. The unit is located in the Towns of Gerry and Ellington in eastern central Chautauqua County.
History
These lands were purchased by the people of New York State in the 1930s for timber production, recreational use, watershed protection and wildlife. These areas now provide opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities. They are a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry, which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers.
In the 1930s, Harris Hill Management Unit was the site of work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the Depression. The projects on this unit included the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in open areas, along with protection activities such as blister rust control and boundary line identification.
Field Notes
The forests of this unit are managed to produce forest crops, maintain diverse wildlife habitats and provide recreational opportunities while protecting aesthetics and water quality - multiple use forest management. The timber stands are classified as either conifer, meaning they were planted, or natural hardwoods, meaning they regenerate without human assistance.
Stands of introduced pine, spruce or larch were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually grown to an approximate age of 80 to 100 years depending on species and soil conditions. They are usually managed by a series of partial thinnings. These thinnings provide sunlight openings in the canopy to encourage natural regeneration of the native hardwoods. The removal of the conifer overstory in a final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity. There may be areas where the stand could be replanted with conifers if certain conditions exist.
A number of these conifer stands are currently being harvested using a clear cut method. This is due to many trees blowing down within the stand. The root bases of these mature trees no longer support the trees against strong winds. Clear cutting a part of the stand where this is occurring frequently is the best method to maximize economic return and preserve forest health. This type of harvest also results in natural hardwood regeneration and early successional habitat for songbirds and white tail deer.
Hardwood trees are not usually planted because they spread vast amounts of seed and thereby naturally regenerate. Periodic thinning of these forest stands through the sale of forest products give the residual trees more growing space. This helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings. They grow into new trees, provide food and cover for wildlife, and eventually yield crop trees for the forest industry. These stands are managed in either of two silvicultural styles: uneven aged or even aged. Under uneven aged management, trees of all sizes are maintained at all times throughout the stands and will generally contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. In reality, these stands were harvested prior to state ownership. With even aged management, all of the trees within the stand are maintained at approximately the same age.
Various wildlife can be found on the property, including white tail deer, ruffed grouse, raccoon, and turkey. There are occasional sightings of fox, mink, and bear. The abundance of different habitat types created by forest management in the area make it ideal for wildlife sightings. There is also a good mix of songbirds, especially near heavily harvested areas where there is thick seedling-sapling cover.
Recreation
Harris Hill State Forest offers many recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed on the property; be sure to abide by all game laws in effect through the NYSDEC.
Hiking
The Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail traverses the state forest north to south from Old Chautauqua Road to Twenty Eight Creek Road. There are 4.1 miles of the trail on the State Forest which are maintained by Chautauqua County DPW, Parks Division. Parking lots for trail use are located on the corner of County Route 50 and Harris Hill Road.The trail corridor navigates the State's various aesthetically pleasing woodlots, marsh dikes and access trails. Mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the trail. Motor vehicles are prohibited. When the trail leaves public lands, it only follows roads and highways.
Skiing and Snowshoeing
Allowed on Earl Cardot Westside Overland Trail.
Mountain biking
Allowed on Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail, there is one trail in development for this activity only off of Harris Hill road.
Horseback riding
Allowed on property but not permitted on the Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail, there are no designated trails at this time.
Snowmobiling
The local snowmobile club maintains a section of trail which does not coincide with the hiking trail. This trail is adopted and maintained by Lake Effect Trailbreakers snowmobile club. This trail connects to other snowmobile trails that travel off state property. Please be respectful of adjacent landowners. This trail also can be used for hiking and mountain biking in the off season.
Organized trail events require coordinators to obtain a Temporary Revocable Permit for use of the trails prior to the event. These can be obtained through the Falconer DEC Office at 716-665-6111.
Tips for Using State Forests
State lands belong to all of us. Help care for this area and enhance the enjoyment of it for yourself and those who follow by observing these simple guidelines:
- What you carry in, carry out. Leave the area as clean or cleaner than you found it. Burying refuse is prohibited.
- If you are planning to camp for more than three nights or have a group of ten or more, obtain a permit from a Forest Ranger. Do not camp within 150 feet of water, roads or trails.
- If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and down trees only.
- All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off road use of motorized vehicles, such as ATV, trail bikes, and four wheel drives is not allowed.
- No permanent structures shall be established, including tree stands or blinds.
Directions
From Gerry NY, Take County Route 50 east approximately 3.8 miles to Harris Hill Road. At the intersection there is a parking lot with trail access. The entrance to the parking lot is off County Route 50.
Important Numbers
State Forest Office (M-F 8-4 p.m.): 716-665-6111
Forest Ranger (Evenings, Weekends and Holidays): 716-771-7180 or 716-771-7105
Emergencies: 911
