Dog Hollow State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov
- 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 Cuyler and Truxton, Cortland County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
- Map: Dog Hollow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Dog Hollow State Forest encompasses 723 acres in Northeastern Cortland County. The Dog Hollow Public Forest Access Road provides recreational access to the interior of the eastern half of the forest. Popular recreational activities in Dog Hollow include hiking (informal, no trails), hunting, trapping, fishing, bird watching, trapping and snowmobiling.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no formal trails on the forest, but hiking is permitted anywhere unless posted otherwise.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Four winding streams flow through the thick forest, providing 1.9 miles of glittering relief for the hundreds of species who call this place "home." The streams are all part of the East Branch of the Tioughnioga River watershed.
Fishing information for Central NY is available.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are 0.8 miles of snowmobile trails that cross through the forest (see map).
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
A 50-acre wetland area adds diversity to the mostly hilltop property and provides a diverse range of habitats for many plants and animals. The wetland creates excellent opportunities to view a variety of wildlife and plants, including beavers, great blue herons, white tail deer, and a variety of song birds and other smaller mammals and amphibians.
Directions
Dog Hollow State Forest may be accessed by taking NY Route 13 to Cheningo Road. Travel south on Cheningo road about 4.7 miles until Cheningo Solon Pond Road. Head east about 1.5 miles to Brown Road. Head north on Brown Road about 1.0 mile until Jones Road, then head east for about 0.6 miles until you reach the Dog Hollow Public Forest Access Road, which continues east for about 0.9 miles and leads to a dead end. Parking is available, but limited, from the shoulder of the road.
- Intersection of Jones Road and Dog Hollow Road (42.6744038°N, 75.9600859°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) 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 Dog Hollow 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 manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Cuyler Hill Unit Management Plan. 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 R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
History
The land that is now known as Dog Hollow State Forest was sold to the State of New York in 1963 and 1964 to undergo reforestation. Dog Hollow State Forest, like many of New York's state forests, was once cleared and farmed by European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. Unfortunately, the soils common in the area are relatively steep and acidic and so the ground is not fit for intensive farming. When combined with harsh winters and a short growing season, it is quite understandable that farmers abandoned these lands in pursuit of greener pastures in the Midwest. In order to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, provide forest products and recreational opportunities, the State of New York started acquiring property during the 1930s and planted many trees on it.
DEC, under Article 9, Titles 5 and 7 of the Environmental Conservation Law, has been given authorization to manage lands acquired outside the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. Management, as defined by these laws, includes watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, recreation and kindred purposes. Between the years 1964 and 1967, over 49,500 trees were planted in Dog Hollow by DEC employees and Civilian Conservation Corps crews. This land has been restored to forest and today provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Cortland.
Cortland County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) 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 (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
