Vandermark State Forest
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 9 Almond Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (585) 466-3241; region9@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 Ward, Allegany County
- Wildlife Management Units: 9P & 9Y
- Map: Vandermark State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Vandermark State Forest totals 2,384 acres. This area provides opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, fishing, bird watching, nature photography and hunting.
In the 1930s, Vandermark State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and provided employment opportunities for young men during the depression. CCC projects included the construction of roads and the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.
Timber sale on an old gas well site
Featured Activities
Hunting and Trapping
Wildlife Management Units: 9P & 9Y
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 on the property. Campers can set up at the log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access. Permanent tree stands and ATVs are prohibited. Be sure to abide by all game laws.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Fishing is allowed in Vandermark Creek which runs through the property.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Allegany County Federation of Snowmobilers (leaves DEC website) have marked trails which they maintain through this state forest. ATVs are prohibited.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Hiking is allowed on the multi-use trails on the property, as well as on forest roads, old gas well roads and logging trails. Note that the forest roads are not plowed in winter unless a timber sale is in progress.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the multi-use trails on the property, as well as on forest roads, old gas well roads and logging trails. Note that the forest roads are not plowed in winter unless a timber sale is in progress.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Biking is allowed on the multi-use trails on the property, as well as on forest roads, old gas well roads and logging trails. Note that the forest roads are not plowed in winter unless a timber sale is in progress.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Horseback riding is allowed on the multi-use trails on the property, as well as on forest roads, old gas well roads and logging trails. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses. Out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate. Note that the forest roads are not plowed in winter unless a timber sale is in progress.
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.
Directions
From Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and head west on Karr Valley Road for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Palmer's Pond Road and follow this road for 3.2 miles, then turn left onto Route 244. Continue for 3.4 miles and turn right onto Vandermark Road. The Vandermark Road parking area will be on your right in 3.7 miles but you'll enter the state forest in a little over 3 miles.
To reach Vandermark State Forest take State Route 244 to the intersection with County Route 10 and head south for almost 4 miles to enter the state forest which borders both sides of the road.
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum. Roadside parking is also available at other locations throughout the state forest.
- Waugh Brook Road parking area with parking for 5 cars or 2 cars with trailers (42.208402°N, 77.923598°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Vandermark Road parking area with parking for 10 cars or 5 cars with trailers (42.218447°N, 77.876104°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Brody Slide Road parking area with parking for 5 cars or 2 cars with trailers (42.215972°N, 77.907962°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Allen Forest Road parking area (42.220289°N, 77.863035°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 Vandermark 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 Allegany Unit State Forests 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 r9.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Timber Management
The state forest is a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers and provides for various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.
Conifer - The stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually managed by a series of partial harvest thinnings. These thinnings provide openings of sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwoods. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity.
Hardwood - Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. Periodic thinning of the forest through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees more growing space. This helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife, and a source of future crop trees. Some stands contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth, but in almost all cases these stands have been harvested prior to state ownership.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Plumbottom State Forest
- Phillips Creek State Forest
- Palmer's Pond State Forest
- Turnpike State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred and Wellsville.
- Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Angelica and Wellsville.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Angelica and Wellsville.
- Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Angelica and Wellsville.
Allegany County Tourism (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.
