Dry Run State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- State Land Managers Office: 607-776-2165 M-F 8:30-4:30; region8@dec.ny.gov
- Emergency, Law Enforcement & Rangers: 911 or (518) 408-5850
- Location: Hornby, Steuben County and Orange, Schuyler County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8W
- Map: Dry Run State Forest Map || Dry Run State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,062-acre Dry Run State Forest has a limited amount of development. Most of this forest will require significant walking to access. Today, Dry Run 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
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations. Dry Run State Forest has no developed camping sites, however a couple of parking lots or old log landings have been designated as available for camping. At-large primitive camping is allow in this unit, except within 150 feet of any road, trail, spring, stream, pond, other body of water, or otherwise prohibited.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state. Although there are no facilities developed for viewing wildlife, like many places in the Southern Tier you are likely to see wildlife on this land. 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 Southern Tier of New York 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.
Red pine trees and hardwood seedlings on Dry Run.
Directions
To gain access to this state forest from Painted Post, proceed north on County Route #26, Meads Creek Road. Turn right (east) onto Dry Run Road. The forest can be accessed by turning left onto either Duvall Road or Harrison Road. (42.264266°N, 77.071450°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
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 Dry Run 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.
How We Manage Dry Run State Forest
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Six Nations Unit Management Plan (Plan PDF, 296 pages, 17.5 MB). The Six Nations Unit Management Plan is a ten year plan for approximately 21,724 acres of State Forest land in Schuyler and Steuben Counties. It is comprised of ten state forests: Goundry Hill, Sugar Hill and Coon Hollow in Schuyler County; South Bradford, West Hill, Meads Creek, Beaver Dams, Dry Run, and Erwin Hollow in Steuben County; and Cinnamon Lake State Forest in both counties. 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 Amenities and Attractions
Nearby State Land
- Beaver Dams State Forest
- Cinnamon Lake State Forest
- Meads Creek State Forest
- West Hill State Forest
- South Bradford State Forest
- Goundry Hill State Forest
- Sugar Hill State Forest
- Coon Hollow State Forest
Where to find amenities
- Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau (leaves DEC Website)
- Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (leaves DEC website)
- Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Corning and Watkins Glen
- Dining and Lodging opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Corning and Watkins Glen
Numerous guide books 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.
