Farmersville 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: Town of Farmersville, Cattaraugus County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9W
• Map: Farmersville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,144-acre Farmersville State Forest is a popular hunting and hiking destination.

In the 1930s Farmersville was the site of many 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. CCC projects included the construction of roads and the planting of thousands of pine, larch and spruce trees in the open areas on the property. Water holes were constructed to provide water for fire protection of young plantations and in some cases to water trees. Some of these rock lined water holes still exist on the unit.

Most of the property was cleared for farm land at some time in the past. House holes, stone foundations and sometimes old wells can be found.

Maple syrup production was historically a common farm activity in this area. The remains of "sugar arches" can be found in some parts of the forest. These consisted of large metal pans built over a rock base. A wood fire was built under the pan to boil sap.

Directions

From Franklinville follow Route 98 east and take a right on Bush Hill Road. Continue to the trailhead parking lot on the state forest at the intersection of Bush Hill Road and West Branch Road.

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

• West Branch Road Parking Area (42.391037°N, 78.324758°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 Farmersville 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 (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. They provide a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers. They are managed to provide recreational opportunities and for watershed protection. They are also managed for wildlife by the creation and maintenance of various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey. Other species like songbirds also use the same habitat.

Timber Management

Conifer - The stands of pine, larch and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. These have been or will be converted to hardwoods by removing the conifer overstory and allowing the hardwood seedlings that usually exist in these stands to grow to maturity. Many of the conifer stands on this unit are at a high risk of blowing down in storm events.

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 a source of future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth, but in almost all cases they are not. These stands have been harvested prior to state ownership or managed during state ownership to favor large trees. Many other stands are mature and ready to be regenerated to new stands. This is usually done by a thinning to promote regeneration of new seedlings followed by an overstory removal. Forest stands that are dominated by species that require direct sunlight for reproduction are managed in this way. Forest stands that contain oak species may require the use of fire or other types of disturbance to maintain this forest type.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Bush Hill State Forest
• Harwood Lake Multiple Use Area
• Swift Hill State Forest
• Crab Hollow State Forest
• Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Arcade, Fillmore, Franklinville and Machias.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Arcade and Fillmore.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Arcade, Fillmore, Franklinville, Houghton and Machias.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Arcade and Fillmore.

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.