Dog Hollow 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; [email protected]
  • 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 Cuyler and Truxton, Cortland County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Dog Hollow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Dog Hollow State Forest encompasses 723 acres in Northeastern Cortland County. The Dog Hollow Public Forest Access Road provides recreational access to the interior of the eastern half of the forest. Popular recreational activities in Dog Hollow include hiking (informal, no trails), hunting, trapping, fishing, bird watching, trapping and snowmobiling.

Directions

Dog Hollow State Forest may be accessed by taking NY Route 13 to Cheningo Road. Travel south on Cheningo road about 4.7 miles until Cheningo Solon Pond Road. Head east about 1.5 miles to Brown Road. Head north on Brown Road about 1.0 mile until Jones Road, then head east for about 0.6 miles until you reach the Dog Hollow Public Forest Access Road, which continues east for about 0.9 miles and leads to a dead end. Parking is available, but limited, from the shoulder of the road.

• Intersection of Jones Road and Dog Hollow Road (42.6744038°N, 75.9600859°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace 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 Dog 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

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Cuyler Hill Unit Management Plan. 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 [email protected].

History

The land that is now known as Dog Hollow State Forest was sold to the State of New York in 1963 and 1964 to undergo reforestation. Dog Hollow State Forest, like many of New York's state forests, was once cleared and farmed by European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. Unfortunately, the soils common in the area are relatively steep and acidic and so the ground is not fit for intensive farming. When combined with harsh winters and a short growing season, it is quite understandable that farmers abandoned these lands in pursuit of greener pastures in the Midwest. In order to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, provide forest products and recreational opportunities, the State of New York started acquiring property during the 1930s and planted many trees on it.

DEC, under Article 9, Titles 5 and 7 of the Environmental Conservation Law, has been given authorization to manage lands acquired outside the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. Management, as defined by these laws, includes watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, recreation and kindred purposes. Between the years 1964 and 1967, over 49,500 trees were planted in Dog Hollow by DEC employees and Civilian Conservation Corps crews. This land has been restored to forest and today provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Taylor Valley State Forest
• Maxon Creek State Forest
• Cuyler State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Cortland.

Cortland County Tourism Office 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 for information on outdoor guides.