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Dry Run State Forest

Dry Run State Forest locator map

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The 1,264-acre Dry Run State Forest has a limited amount of development. Accessing most of this forest will require significant walking. 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

primitive 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. The two parking areas are designated for camping as well, but only consist of a semi-flat spot along the road, with no fire rings, picnic tables or other facilities provided.

Hunting & Trapping

hunting
trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 8W

General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and 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.

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.

Overstory of red pine trees with a carpet of hardwood seedlings.
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. The two parking areas are located on Harrison Road and Wildcat Hollow.

  • Wildcat Hollow parking: (42.264266°N, 77.071450°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
  • Harrison Rd Parking: (42.262039 N, 77.066725 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 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.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Six Nations Unit Management Plan (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 us at r8.ump@dec.ny.gov

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food and other supplies as well as dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Corning and Watkins Glen.

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.


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