Bully Hill State Forest
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 9 Almond Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), 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 Almond and Birdsall, Allegany County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 9P
- Map: Bully Hill State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 3,513-acre Bully Hill State Forest provides opportunities for hiking, snowmobiling, camping, bird watching, nature photography and hunting. Note that state forest roads are not plowed in the winter unless there is an on-going timber sale. The 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 habitat for wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.
In the 1930s, Bully 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 Great 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.
Spruce trees in the winter
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
The Finger Lakes Trail Conference (leaves DEC website) maintains a marked hiking trail through this state forest, marked with white paint blazes. There is also a multi-use trail on the property that can be used for hiking.
Hunting and Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.
Hunting and trapping are allowed on the property. Campers can set up at log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access. Permanent tree stands and ATVs are prohibited. Be sure to abide by all game laws in affect.
Deer Management Assistance Permits (DMAP) for the 2023 season are now available for Bully Hill State Forest. For more information and to apply please download the application and instructions. For more information on this program, contact our West Almond Forestry office at (585) 466-3241.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
The multi-use trail can be used for skiing and snowshoeing as well as State Forest roads and logging access trails. Skiing and snowshoeing are also permitted throughout the property.
Snow-covered tree in the forest
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
The multi-use trail can be used for snowmobiling, plus the Allegany County Federation of Snowmobilers (leaves DEC website) maintains marked trails. ATVs are prohibited.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
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.
The multi-use trail can be used for horseback riding as well as State Forest roads and logging access trails. Riding is also permitted throughout the property.
Snowmobile trails are maintained in the forest
Directions
Bully Hill State Forest can be reached by taking exit 33 (Almond) from Interstate 86. Go west on County Route 2 (Karr Valley Road) about 1 mile, then turn right onto Bully Hill Road, which will enter state land in less than a mile.
There are numerous pull offs on roads in the state forest for parking. Coordinates to the major roads in the unit are listed below. All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
- Bush Road, with 6 pull off locations (42.342207°N, 77.820364°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Mike Dixon Road leading to Connection Forest Road, with 7 pull off locations (42.334891°N, 77.807543°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Bully Hill Road, with 3 pull off locations (42.331239°N, 77.775354°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Stearns Road (Karr Road), with 9 pull off locations (42.330161°N, 77.759433°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 Bully 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
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 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 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 a 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 & Facilities
- Turnpike State Forest
- Karr Valley Creek State Forest
- Hiltonville State Forest
- Klipnocky State Forest
- Canacadea State Forest
Nearby Amenities
- Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Arkport and Hornell.
- Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Arkport and Hornell.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Almond and Hornell.
- Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred and Hornell.
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.
