Karr Valley Creek 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 Birdsall and West Almond, Allegany County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 9P
- Map: Karr Valley Creek State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Karr Valley Creek State Forest totals 1,917 acres. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, snowmobiling, camping and hunting. The state forest is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers.
In the 1930s, Karr Valley Creek State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). DEC's West Almond Maintenance Center on County Route 2A was the site of one of the CCC camps. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the Depression. CCC projects included the building roads and planting thousands of pine and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.
Conifers planted by the CCC in the 1930s
are now reaching maturity and being harvested
and used as pine and spruce sawtimber.
Featured Activities
Hunting and 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. Permanent tree stands and ATVs are prohibited. Be sure to abide by all game laws.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Forest roads and logging trails are available for hiking and other activities. Note that forest roads are not plowed in winter unless a timber sale is in progress.
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.
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.
Forest roads and logging trails are open to skiing and snowshoeing and other activities. Note that 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.
Forest roads and logging trails are available for biking and other activities.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Forest roads and logging trails are available for horseback riding and other activities. Note that forest roads are not plowed in winter unless a timber sale is in progress. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Campers can set up at log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access. 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 turn right onto Karr Valley Road. Continue for about 2 miles and then turn left onto County Route 2A. The state forest begins after a half mile, and 1.5 miles further is DEC's West Almond Maintenance Center.
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
- George Road parking area on neighboring Jersey Hill State Forest (42.350436°N, 77.880707°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Dobson Road parking area (42.330981°N, 77.848262°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Frunqillo Forest Road parking area (42.344268°N, 77.864548°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Norton Forest Road parking area (42.353718°N, 77.859543°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 Karr Valley Creek 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 & 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
Conifer - The stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields because 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 below to grow.
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 remaining 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 crop trees for the future. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth; in most cases these stands have been harvested prior to state ownership.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Jersey Hill State Forest
- Hiltonville State Forest
- Bully Hill State Forest
- Palmer's Pond State Forest
- Turnpike State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies, dining opportunities, and lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred Station and Angelica.
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.
