Whalen Memorial State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 9 Dunkirk Office (M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (716) 363-2052; 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: Towns of North Harmony and Sherman, Chautauqua County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 9J
- Map: Whalen Memorial State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,325-acre Whalen Memorial State Forest is located in the southwestern area of Chautauqua County in the town of North Harmony. The forest includes habitats for various wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey. It provides opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling and hunting. This area is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry, which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers.
Featured Activities
Hiking
The Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail (leaves DEC website) traverses the state forest. Two miles of the trail on Whalen Memorial State Forest are maintained by Chautauqua County Department of Public Works, Parks Division.
Biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the trail. Motor vehicles are prohibited. Horseback riding is also prohibited on the trail, but is allowed elsewhere on the property.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Managing the forest to maintain a diversity of cover types allows a variety of wildlife species to thrive here. Hunting and trapping are allowed on the property in accordance with game laws enforced by NYSDEC. Hunting opportunities vary with habitat conditions.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The local snowmobile club maintains a section of trail which does not coincide with the hiking trail. This trail is adopted and maintained by the Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club (leaves DEC website). This trail consists of about 2.2 miles that connect to other snowmobile trails that travel off state property. This trail also can be used for hiking and mountain biking in the off season. Please be respectful of adjacent landowners.
Organizers of trail events need to obtain a Temporary Revocable Permit for use of the trails prior to the event. These can be obtained at the Dunkirk DEC Office at (716) 363-2052.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
Bicycling is permitted on the hiking trails in this state forest.There is also approximently 4 miles of designated mountain bike trails on the state forest. Parking can be found along Whalen Forest Road, and the trails connect to the West Side Overland Trail. See map link above for trail location. These bike trails are made possible by a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our office.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
The forest includes habitats for various wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.
Directions
To reach Whalen Memorial State Forest, from Interstate 86 take Exit 7, turn right onto County Route 33, proceed north for 0.75 miles to County Route 18. Proceed west on County Route 18 for 2.5 miles to Stebbins Road. Proceed south on Stebbins Road for 2.25 miles. The entrance to Whalen Forest Road is at the yellow gate.
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
- Eggleston Hill Parking Lot (42.118105°N, 79.519393°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 Whalen Memorial 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.
Specific Rules
Biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the trail. Motor vehicles are prohibited. Horseback riding is also prohibited on the trail, but it is allowed on the property. However, there are no designated trails for this activity.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Chautauqua Unit State Forests Unit Management Plan. 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.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Alder Bottom Wildlife Management Area
- Panama State Forest
- Watts Flats Wildlife Management Area
- Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
- North Harmony State Forest
- Mount Pleasant State Forest
- Hill Higher State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Lodging and dining opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Mayville.
Chautauqua County Visitors' Bureau (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.
