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; [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: 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.

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 
• South Cascade Valley pull off (42.028129°N, 75.572941°W) Google Maps 

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

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 [email protected] 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 and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Hawkins Pond State Forest
• Skyline Drive State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

Broome County Tourism Webpage 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.