Helmer Creek
Fish and Wildlife Management Area
History and Features:
The Helmer Creek Wildlife Management Area is located in the Town of Rathbone in Steuben County, approximately ten miles northwest of Addison. The area is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to provide habitat for native species of wildlife representative to this area of the state and to provide compatible recreational use of these natural resources.
The area consists of 126 acres of open land and woodland that is frequented by deer, squirrels, turkeys, songbirds, and other interesting species. The area is easily accessed from County Road 119, which runs between Addison and Canisteo. A parking area is provided for the convenience of area visitors. Three state forests exist nearby to explore.
Permitted uses of the area include hiking, wildlife observation, nature study, hunting, trapping, photography, and other day-use activities. Camping, off-road vehicles, placement of permanent blinds, removal of vegetation, and littering are prohibited. Please respect these lands and the rights of neighbors and other users of the area while visiting.
| Activity | Availability |
|---|---|
| Upland | No |
| Wetland | Yes |
| Hiking Trails* | Yes |
| Nature Trails* | Yes |
| Boat Access | Yes |
| Parking Lot | No |
| Viewing Tower | No |
| Scenic Vistas | Yes |
| Picnic Areas | No |
| Restrooms | No |
| Birdwatching | Yes |
| Camping | No |
| X-Country Skiing | Yes |
| Snowshoeing | Yes |
| Hunting | Yes |
| Fishing | Yes |
| Trapping | Yes |
| Endangered Species | No |
| Unusual Plants | No |
* A nature trail can be used as a hiking trail, a hiking trail differs from a nature trails in that a nature trail usually has printed information along the trails and often has a brochure
