Plumbottom 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 Amity and Ward, Allegany County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 9P
- Map: Plumbottom State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Plumbottom State Forest totals 1,666 acres. The forest provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, snowmobiling, camping, horseback riding, and hunting. It is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry, which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers, and provides habitat for wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.
In the 1930s, Plumbottom State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the CCC provided employment opportunities for young men during the depression. CCC projects included construction of roads and planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in open areas on the property.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There is a 1.5-mile multi-use recreational trail. Forest roads and logging trails are also available for hiking and other recreational activities. 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.
The 1.5-mile multi-use recreational trail can be used for skiing and snowshoeing. Forest roads and logging trails can also be used. 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.
The 1.5-mile multi-use recreational trail can be used for biking. Forest roads and logging trails can also be used. 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.
The 1.5-mile multi-use recreational trail can be used for horseback riding. Forest roads and logging trails can also be used. Note that the 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 1.5-mile multi-use recreational trail can be used for snowmobiling. Forest roads and logging trails can also be used. Note that the forest roads are not plowed in winter unless a timber sale is in progress.
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; be sure to abide by all game laws. Campers can set up at log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access. Permanent tree stands and ATVs are prohibited. More information can be obtained from the local DEC office by calling 585-268-5392.
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.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
There are two ponds off Reddy Forest Road in the western side of the state forest that can be used for fishing.
Directions
From Interstate 86, take exit 30 and head south on State Route 19 toward Belmont. After 2.9 miles, turn left onto State Route 244 and continue for 3.1 miles, then make a sharp right turn onto Old Withey Road near the bottom of a steep hill. Continue for 0.25 mile and turn left onto Reddy Road. After 0.4 mile bear left to stay on Reddy Road; this road leads into the state forest.
There are no designated parking areas but roadside parking is available. There are numerous pull offs noted on the map at the top of the page.
The state forest is located at 42.229741°N, 77.962717°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 Plumbottom 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
Healthy trees were marked and remained standing after
undesirable trees were removed in a hardwood thinning.
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 thinnings. These thinnings provide openings of sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwood. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedling 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 through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees more growing space. This helps keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife and source of future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. Often these large trees represent survivors of timber harvesting prior to state ownership.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Vandermark State Forest
- Phillips Creek State Forest
- Palmer's Pond State Forest
- Turnpike State Forest
- Coyle Hill State Forest
- Bald Mountain State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred Station, Belmont, Scio and Wellsville
- Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred Station, Angelica, Belmont, Scio and Wellsville.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred Station, Angelica, Belmont and Wellsville.
- Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred Station, Angelica and Wellsville.
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.
