Slader 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 Almond, Birdsall and Burns, Allegany County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 9P
- Map: Slader Creek State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Slader Creek State Forest covers a total of 1,229 acres, including the recent acquisition of a 97-acre inholding. It contains a mixture of native hardwood species and planted conifers.
The area gets its name from the picturesque stream which barely touches the northern portion of the state forest, but several of its tributaries flow through the forest. Much of the streambed is bedrock, with many cascades and small waterfalls.
Slader Creek features many cascades
and small waterfalls
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website) passes through this state forest and can be used for hiking and other recreational activities. This trail is part of the larger trail network of the North Country Scenic Trail (leaves DEC website).
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 Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website) that runs through this state forest can be used for snowshoeing and skiing, but keep in mind that some of the terrain can be challenging for these activities.
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.
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 permitted on the property in accordance with all game regulations, unless otherwise posted. Traps may not be set on public road right of ways. Body gripping traps set on land must be at least 100 feet from public trails.
Directions
Slader Creek State Forest lies approximately 2 miles southwest of the Village of Canaseraga. From Interstate 86, take exit 34 and head north on Route 36. In 1.7 miles, turn left onto Route 961F (West Ave), then turn left onto Tilden Hill Road in 3.8 miles. After 1.9 miles, turn right onto County Road 13A (North Hill Road) and then take the first left onto Narrows Road. Continue for 1.8 miles and turn left on either Oberdorf Forest Road or Prince Road, which both enter the state forest.
There are no designated parking areas on the unit but roadside parking is available. The state forest is located at 42.428031°N, 77.806410°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 Slader 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 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 hardwood stands are managed through a series of thinnings which remove the lower quality trees and give more growing space to the best quality trees. The hardwood tops are generally left in place to rot and recycle their nutrients back into the soil. The decaying tops also provide bedding and nesting cover for wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
Periodic thinnings in the red pine plantations have allowed the native hardwoods to seed into the sunlit openings. Many of the pine stands have reached maturity and the remaining overstory is now being removed to allow the hardwoods to grow to maturity. These "early-successional" hardwood stands provide an important habitat component for a variety of songbird species, as well as ruffed grouse and woodcock.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies, and dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Arkport 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 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.
