Dobbins State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 372-0645; [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 Little Valley and Mansfield, Cattaraugus County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9M
• Map: Dobbins State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,100-acre Dobbins State Forest is most popular for its hunting, snowmobiling and picnicking opportunities. There are no hiking trails but hiking is allowed throughout the property. Harry Dobbins was a forester responsible for the purchase of many of the New York State Forests, and this state forest was named after him in remembrance.

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) carried out forestry projects on this property. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment for young men during the Great Depression. Projects included the planting of thousands of pine, larch and spruce trees in the open areas on the property. Several red oak plantations exist on this property as well.

Directions

From Little Valley, turn at the Fairgrounds onto Kahler Hill Road and keep right at the fork when Hart Road branches off. Follow Kahler Hill Road to the top of the hill and turn right onto Bedient Hill Road to the Dobbins Memorial Day Use Area parking lot. All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 Datum.

• Day use area parking lot (42.285637°N, 78.782961°W) Google Maps

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 Dobbins 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.

Specific Rules

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a Draft Cattaraugus 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 [email protected].

State Forests are managed for multiple uses. Forest management provides raw materials for New York's forest products industry and a source of employment and income for many New Yorkers. They are managed for wildlife by creating and maintaining various habitats for species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey. They are also managed for recreational opportunities and watershed protection.

Timber Management

Conifer - The stands of pine were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. These will be converted to hardwoods by removal of the conifer overstory and allowing the hardwood seedlings that usually exist in these stands to grow into a new hardwood forest. Since much of this property was old field planted to conifer, there have been some major conifer removal projects, which will continue.

Hardwood - Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. The oak plantations on this property are a notable exception. Thinning of the forest through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees more growing space. This helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife, and future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees that appear to be old growth, but in almost all cases they are not. These stands have been harvested prior to state ownership or managed during state ownership to favor large trees. Many other stands are mature and ready to regenerate into new stands. Thinning stands and removing the overstory promotes regeneration of new seedlings. Forest stands that are dominated by species that require direct sunlight for reproduction are managed in this way. Forest stands that contain oak species may require the use of fire or other types of disturbance to maintain this forest type.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Rock City and McCarty Hill State Forests
• Elkdale State Forest
• Cattaraugus State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Ellicottville and Little Valley.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Cattaraugus and Ellicottville.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Cattaraugus, Ellicottville and Little Valley.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Ellicottville and Little Valley.

Cattaraugus County Tourism can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books 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.