Cascade Valley 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 Windsor, Broome County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
- Map: Cascade Valley State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Cascade Valley State Forest covers 533 acres in Broome County. A multiple-use recreation trail runs east to west through the middle of the forest to the east of Cascade Valley Road. The forest was acquired in 1937 from one individual land owner and is named for the tributary flowing through it which eventually reaches Cascade Creek.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
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.
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.
There are two wetlands on the property, both of which are beaver ponds. The first, a five-acre beaver pond is located in the western portion of the forest, next to Cascade Valley Road. The second wetland lies to the east of Cascade Road along the southern boundary of the forest. These wetlands also attract a great variety of wildlife such as hawks, herons, ducks and geese.
Directions
Access to the forest is gained by taking the E. Boskett Hill Road exit off of Route 17, and heading south. E. Boskett Hill Road turns into Cascade Valley Road. The state forest land begins about two miles from Route 17, and lies along both sides of Cascade Valley Road. There are two parking areas along Cascade Valley Road.
- North Cascade Valley parking area (42.035586 °N, 75.572919°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- South Cascade Valley pull off (42.028129°N, 75.572941°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) principles 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 Cascade Valley 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.
Forest Management
The forest contains a variety of cover types, from red pine plantations to hemlock timber along the lowland stream corridors, to upland hardwoods. The elevation ranges from 1,300 feet near the road to 1,688 feet at the hilltop a half-mile to the east of the road. For those willing to hike up the steep hill to the southeast, large mature hardwood timber can be seen growing near the layered stone outcrops. This thinned 100-acre natural stand has exceptionally high timber quality. These stands are scheduled for timber harvest and thinning to promote vigorous trees. Several over-mature trees provide cavities for squirrels, owls, raccoons and fisher.
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.
