Jenksville State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; R7Forestry@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 Berkshire and Newark Valley, Tioga County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7R
- Map: Jenksville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Jenksville State Forest encompasses 1,345 acres in northeastern Tioga County. The forest has a multiple-use trail system that provides family-based recreation for hunting, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, trapping, and cross-country skiing. ATV use and target shooting are prohibited on this state forest.
Trails are marked with circular trail makers and all trails are designed by color and number and classified by the user's ability (note ability designations below for each trail color and number combination). Beginner trails have very gentle slopes and are fairly short in length. Intermediate trails have gentle to somewhat steep slopes and are moderate in length. Advanced trails have gentle to steep slopes and some sections with difficult side slopes. These trails are usually longer in length than intermediate trails. Maintenance of the 12-mile Jenksville Multiple-Use Trail System is a cooperative effort between DEC and volunteers from the Volunteer Stewardship Program.
Trailhead parking is available in two locations - a small lot on Shirley Road and a larger lot (to accommodate horse trailers) on Allison Hill Road.
Red Trails- Total length 3.9 miles
- Trail 1- beginner trail 0.7 mile long
- Trail 2- beginner trail 0.5 mile long
- Trail 3- beginner trail 0.3 mile long
- Trail 4- beginner trail 1.3 miles long
- Trail 5- intermediate trail 1.1 miles long
- Trail 6- beginner trail 0.1 mile long
Blue Trails - Total length 5.0 miles
- Trail 1- intermediate trail 1.0 mile long
- Trail 2- beginner trail 0.4 mile long
- Trail 3- advanced trail 2.0 miles long
- Trail 4- intermediate trail 0.4 mile long
- Trail 5- intermediate trail 0.3 mile long
- Trail 6- advanced trail 0.4 mile long
- Trail 7- intermediate trail 0.4 mile long
Yellow Trails-Total length 3.0 miles
- Trail 1- intermediate trail 1.1 miles long
- Trail 2 -intermediate trail 0.1 mile long
- Trail 3- intermediate trail 0.7 mile long
- Trail 4- intermediate trial 1.1 miles long
Featured 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.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Fishing information for Central NY is available.
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all trails.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and 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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
The habitat diversity on the Unit allows for a moderate diversity of wildlife species including many game species. Deer, turkey, song birds, grouse, and squirrels are numerous. Black bear are becoming more common.
Directions
From the south, take NY Route 38 north to Tappen Road (north of the Village of Newark Valley), then turn right onto Howard Hill Road, then right onto Shirley Road or alter-natively onto Allison Hill Road.
From the north, take NY Route 79 to West Creek Road also known as County Route 33 (about 2 miles west of the Hamlet of Richford) then turn left onto Old 76 Road in the Hamlet of Speedsville (Old 76 Road turns back into West Creek Road), to Ford Hill Road to Shirley Road.
Alternatively follow West Creek Road to Allison Hill Road. There is a parking area located on Shirley Road and a larger one for equestrian use located on Allison Hill Road.
- Allison Hill Road: (42.271215°N, -76.214317°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Shirley Road: (42.274986°N, 76.202555°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All 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 Jenksville 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.
Trail Etiquette
- Pass only in flat areas. A faster trail user should vocally indicate the desire to pass. The slower trail user should yield by moving to the right where possible.
- Try not to pass on a downhill. Save passing for the flat areas where the slower trail user can maneuver more easily.
- The user going downhill has the right-of-way, since he or she is moving faster and may have less control. Do not descend a hill until the trail is clear.
- Move off the trail as quickly as possible after a fall. This will prevent possible collisions and allow other trail users to pass. When skiing, fill in sitzmarks before proceeding.
- Don't hike, bike or ski alone. Long tours should not be attempted alone. Serious injury can occur when using the trails.
- Do not hike or bike in the ski tracks.
- Treat all other users with respect. Mountain bikers and hikers should yield to horses. Horses can become skittish or spooked by sudden movements.
- Horses and mountain bikes are only allowed on trails from May through October.
- DEC requests that horseback riders and mountain bikers not ride during wet conditions.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Tioga Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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 or comments about this UMP, please emai us at l R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
History
The forest was established between 1940 and 1945 in an effort to reduce soil erosion problems, produce forest products and provide future recreational opportunities. Most of the property was former pasture or tilled acreage that was suffering from poor agricultural practices. DEC planted this land with 837,000 pines, spruce, fir, cedar, larch and oak seedlings. The planting was accomplished in 1940 and 1941 using Civilian Conservation Corps labor. Today, Jenksville State Forest is fulfilling the vision which started in 1940. Almost 99% of the area is forested, the soils have improved, and harvesting of forest products supports all management activities, including recreation.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Whitney Point, Ithaca and Binghamton.
Tioga 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.
