Burt Hill State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 8 Bath Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 622-8282; region8@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 Howard, Steuben County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8T
- Map: Burt Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
On the 403-acre Burt Hill State Forest, recreational opportunities focus on rustic experiences with a limited amount of development as most of this forest is remote and difficult to access. Today, Burt Hill and all state forests in New York are managed for multiple benefits to serve the needs of the people of New York. Sustainable management practices will ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities and clean water.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Finger Lakes Trail / North Country National Scenic Trail (leaves DEC website) provides good foot access to the northern portion of the area.
Hemlock trees and lean-to on Burt Hill State Forest
There is a lean-to for overnight camping located just off the Finger Lakes Trail.
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Burt Hill Lean-to is the only designated campsite. It is located along the Finger Lake Trail on the northern border of the property.
At large 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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
New York's Southern Tier encompasses a wide variety of habitats and landscapes made up of mountainous hills, forests, grasslands and wetlands. Everything from black bear to black-throated blue warblers and brook trout to wild turkey call the Finger Lakes area home. The grasslands are home to a variety of bird species including northern harrier and state endangered Henslow's sparrow. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beaver and mink flourish in the wetlands. Outdoorsmen and women from across New York State flock to this area year round for its exquisite wildlife watching and unbeatable hunting.
Directions
To gain access to this area, from the village of Canisteo, travel northerly on Fenaughty Road, which provides good access to the west side of the area. Alternate access is available from Burt Hill Road. Burt Hill State Forest has no designated parking lots, however parking is available along the road edges.
- Burt Hill Road: (42.306727°N, 77.574760°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 Burt Hill Multiple Use Area 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.
Specific Rules
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
Planning and Management
DEC has developed a Draft Canisteo River Basin 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 r8.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Canacadea State Forest
- Rock Creek State Forest
- West Cameron WMA
- Greenwood State Forest
- Turkey Ridge State Forest
- Cameron State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Dining opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Hornell and Canisteo.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby city of Hornell.
Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau (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.
