Texas Hollow 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: Towns of Hector and Catharine, Schuyler County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8S
- Map: Texas Hollow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The focus of the 937-acre Texas Hollow State Forest is on rustic experiences with a limited amount of development. Today, Texas Hollow 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.
A portion of the Finger Lakes Trail (foot traffic only) passes through this forest. Volunteers of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (leaves DEC website) maintain this trail under a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement. It is also a segment of North Country National Scenic Trail (leaves DEC website).
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.
Fishing & Paddling
General information on fishing and general information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Texas Hollow Pond is constructed with a human-made dike, with concrete control structures to discharge water. This pond 0.1 mile along an access road off of Texas Hollow Road. In addition, Texas Hollow State Forest has several naturally occurring ponds and bogs. Although there is no designated launch site, canoes or kayaks can be launched from the dike's edge.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
A section of snowmobile trail maintained by the volunteers of the Horseheads Snowmobile Club (leaves DEC website) under a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement crosses the southern end of Texas Hollow State Forest.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Texas Hollow Pond
New York's Finger Lakes encompass 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 live in these habitats. The grasslands are home to a variety of bird species including northern harriers and state-endangered Henslow's sparrows. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beavers and mink flourish in the wetlands. Visitors from across New York flock to this area year-round for its exquisite wildlife watching and unbeatable hunting.
Directions
From Watkins Glen take State Rte. 79 east. Turn right onto Texas Hollow Rd., which passes through the state forest.
- North Parking Lot near Texas Hollow Pond (42.412514°N, 76.792209°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
- Middle Parking Lot (42.404212°N, 76.786541°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
- South Parking Lot (42.386861°N, 76.778911°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 Texas 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 Great Divide Unit Management Plan (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & 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
- Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area
- Cayuta Lake Fishing Access Site
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Burdett and Watkins Glen.
- Dining and lodging opportunities can be found in the nearby community of Watkins Glen.
Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce (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.
