Robinson 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: Town of Richford in Tioga County, Town of Caroline in Tompkins County and Town of Harford in Cortland County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7R
- Map: Robinson Hollow State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Robinson Hollow State Forest encompasses a total of 1,938 acres in three southern tier counties. Fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, trapping, informal camping and bird watching are some of the recreational opportunities that Robinson Hollow offers.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
About 2.5 miles of the Finger Lakes Hiking Trail (leaves DEC website) passes through the property.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Finger Lakes Trail Conference maintains a lean-to along the Finger Lakes hiking trail in the southwestern part of the forest.
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.
The Tri-County Pond provides family fishing opportunities. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout and largemouth bass.
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.
The forest has about three miles of marked snowmobile trail maintained by the Dryden-Caroline Drifters Snow-Mobile Club.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Robinson Hollow State Forest provides excellent habitats for many different species of plants and animals. This variety of habitats supports a great diversity of wildlife species including mammals, reptiles, amphibians such as the Allegheny dusky salamander, and birds. Animals such as deer, turkey, grouse, raccoon and fox are common. Ferns, wildflower, clubmoss and many types of fungi can be found throughout the forest.
Directions
Robinson Hollow State Forest may be accessed by taking NY Route 38 to Harford. Turn onto Creamery Road (across from the junction with RT 221). Travel southwest about 0.3 miles. Bear right onto Lacey Road and travel about 2.1 miles to the top of the hill.
- The stocked fishing pond and parking lot are on the right (42.40865°N, 76.25256°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Kimmee lean-to along the Finger Lakes trail (42.39057°N, 76.27181°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) 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 Robinson Hollow State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices (#28708) 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 Tri-County Uplands Unit Management Plan (PDF) with Tri-County UMP Maps (PDF). 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 R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
History
Robinson Hollow State Forest, like many of New York's state forests, had originally been cleared and farmed by European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. Unfortunately, the upland soils of the Allegheny Plateau are thin, relatively steep and acidic. As such, 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 more fertile properties in the Midwest.
The majority of Robinson Hollow State Forest was purchased between 1934 and 1941. Five additional purchases were made in the 1960s, with two more purchases in the 1980s. The previous owners included the Oliver, Fitzcharles, Wattles, Beam, Dickenson, Wright, Allen, Hoaglin, Loring, Welch, Royce, Morton, Gardiner, Brown, Beebe, Wuensch, Cortright, and Donato families.
Between 1935 and 1939, the Slaterville Springs Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-125 hand planted more than 793,000 tree seedlings on the land. Another 211,000 seedlings were added in 1962 by the Conservation Department, and more than 40,000 were planted in 1963 with just a tractor and a spade. The McCormick Youth Camp hand planted more than 57,000 tree seedlings in 1966 and 1967. In 1981, another 10,000 seedlings were added to the land in Robinson Hollow. The majority of the seedlings planted were softwood species, including Norway spruce, red pine, and white pine.
Today, the landscape has been completely transformed from farm and pasture land to forest. It provides many ecological services such as soil and water conservation, carbon storage, nutrient recycling and clean air.
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 Ithaca.
Tioga 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.
