Cat Hollow State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 674-4017; 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: Town of Sanford, Broome County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
- Map: Cat Hollow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Cat Hollow State Forest covers 759 acres in Broome County. McMurray Road is 1.2 miles long and can be used for various recreational pursuits through the forest. The forest was acquired in 1964 using Bond Act funds and is named after cougars that roamed the area prior to 1900.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
McMurray Road is 1.2-miles long (off Woodford Road) and is used for multiple purposes including hiking.
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.
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.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to 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 hiking 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.
Directions
Access to the forest is gained by traveling south from the village of Deposit on Oquaga Lake Road, and turning left onto Gillette Road. At the intersection with Woodford Road, the abandoned McMurray Road begins, and runs southeast through the forest. This old road runs along a feeder stream to the West Branch of the Delaware River, and passes an old farm foundation and a beaver pond. There is parking along Woodford Road and at the entrance to the forest along Gillette Road.
- Woodford Road Parking Area (42.010912,-75.434089) 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 Cat Hollow 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
The Broome State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) covers Cat Hollow, Tracy Creek, Beaver Pond, Whitaker Swamp, Hawkins Pond, Marsh Pond, Skyline Drive, and Cascade Valley State Forests, constituting 5,371 acres in Broome and Tioga counties.
DEC developed a Broome State Forest Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Cat Hollow State Forest.
For more information, email DEC Foresters with the subject line "Broome Unit" at R7.UMP@dec.ny.gov or call (607) 674-4017.
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 community of Binghamton.
Broome County Tourism Webpage (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.
