Tracy Creek State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 8 Bath Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 AM), (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 Greenwood, Steuben County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8T
- Map: Tracy Creek State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 569-acre Tracy Creek State Forest has a limited amount of development. There are no designated recreation trails, but the gated DEC road (a.k.a. "Long View Trail"), old skid roads, deer paths, and old farm lanes are available for exploring. This forest also has a fair sized component of open fields which are somewhat unique on state forest properties. Tracy Creek, which flows through the center of the forest, is a major water course and has, in the past, had significant incidents of flash flooding.
Today, Tracy Creek 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
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Salamander in Tracy Creek on Tracy Creek SF.
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 reside in the Southern Tier. 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. Visitors from across New York State flock to this area year round for its exquisite wildlife watching and unbeatable hunting.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Individuals with qualifying disabilities may apply for a permit to operate a motor vehicle on trails designated by the Department. This program is known as the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). Long View Trail, behind a gate and about 1¼ miles long, is the designated trail for this state forest.
Directions
From the village of Addison, travel west on County Route 119, then left (west) onto County Route 21, then right (north) onto County Route 80 which traverses the center of the forest.
- County Route 80: (42.144435°N, 77.333349°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 Tracy Creek 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 Canisteo River Basin Unit Management Plan 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 Land and Facilities
- Cameron State Forest
- Cameron Mills State Forest
- Helmer Creek Wildlife Management Area
- West Cameron Wildlife Management Area
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Addison or Corning.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Addison or Corning.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Corning.
Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau (leaves DEC website) and Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (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.
