Coyle Hill 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: Towns of Belfast and Friendship, Allegany County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 9W
- Map: Coyle Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 2,343-acre Coyle Hill State Forest provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities including hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, camping, horseback riding, and hunting.
The forest is a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry, which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers. It also provides various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.
In the 1930s, Coyle Hill State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 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 of the property.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are 5.8 miles of marked multi-purpose trails on the unit. Forest roads (which are not plowed unless a timber sale is in progress) and logging trails are also available for hiking and other recreational activities. These trails can be used for snowshoeing as well. Cross country skiing is allowed, but these trails are not well suited for that activity.
Hunting & Trapping
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 in accordance with all game laws. Campers can be set up at log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access.
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. Campers can be set up at log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access.
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) maintains marked snowmobiling trails through a volunteer stewardship agreement. Forest roads and logging trails are also available for snowmobiling.
Horseback Riding
There are 5.8 miles of multi-use trails that allow for horseback riding in this state forest, and all forest roads can be used for this activity as well. There are parking areas available as indicated on the map but they only accommodate small horse trailers. The forest roads leading to these parking areas are narrow, so caution is advised when traveling with a truck and trailer in this state forest. Also keep in mind these roads are not plowed in the winter months. For areas nearby where there are larger parking areas and more developed equestrian facilities please visit our Phillips Creek State Forest page.
The trails in this state forest are adopted by the Allegany County Saddle Dusters as part of a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement program. If you are interested in volunteering or helping this group please contact our Allegany County Forestry Office for more information.
Equestrian events on state forest lands with 21 or more riders requires a Temporary Revocable Permit, please contact our office for more information.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
There are three recreational trails off of the Warner and Warner Spur Forest Roads that allows motorized ATV access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.
Directions
To reach Coyle Hill State Forest from Interstate 86, take exit 30 (Belvidere), north on State Route 19 for 0.2 mile. Turn left onto Hess Road for 1.25 miles, then left onto Warner Forest Road which leads into the state forest.
There are no designated parking areas on the unit, however roadside parking is available. The property is located at 42.258595°N, 78.106077°W (Google Maps - leaves DEC website). 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 Coyle Hill 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 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 trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. Periodic thinning of the forest for 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. New trees grow, providing food and cover for wildlife and a source of future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. These stands were actually harvested prior to state ownership.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area
- Rush Creek State Forest
- Plumbottom State Forest
- Bald Mountain State Forest
- Allen Lake State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Belfast, Belmont, Cuba and Friendship.
- Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Angelica, Belfast, Cuba and Friendship
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Belfast, Belmont, Cuba and Friendship.
- Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Angelica, Belfast and Cuba.
Allegany County Tourism (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.
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.
