State Land

Bald Mountain State Forest

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  • Open for Recreation: Year-round
Bald Mountain State Forest location

The 764-acre Bald Mountain State Forest is made up of a mixture of native hardwood species and planted conifers. There are no designated trails but hiking is allowed throughout the property.

The forest gets its name from the prominent hill (no longer bald!) near its center. Before State acquisition, the area was undoubtedly bare of trees, as was much of Allegany County, due to extensive land clearing for agriculture and pasture.

Featured Activities

Wildlife Management Unit: 9P

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

The area is a popular destination for both small game and big game hunting. Hunting is permitted on the property in accordance with all game regulations, unless otherwise posted.

Wildlife Management Unit: 9P

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Trapping is permitted on the property in accordance with all game regulations, unless otherwise posted. Traps may not be set on public road right of ways. Body gripping traps set on land must be at least 100 feet from public trails.

General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

New York State Corridor Snowmobile Trail 2C passes through Allen Lake State Forest. The trail is maintained by the Angelica Snowdrifters through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are no designated campsites; however, 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.

Directions

There are no designated parking areas on the unit, however roadside parking is available. Bald Mountain State Forest lies approximately 2 miles east of the Village of Angelica and is accessible via Buehrings Road, which runs north off County Route 16.

The state forest is located at 42.314195°N, 77.969137°W (Google Maps). 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 Bald Mountain 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 Allegany Unit State Forests 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].

The hardwood stands are managed through a series of thinnings which remove the lower quality trees and give more growing space to the best quality trees. The hardwood tops are generally left in place to rot and recycle their nutrients back into the soil. The decaying tops also provide bedding and nesting cover for wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

Periodic thinnings in the red pine plantations have allowed the native hardwoods to seed into the sunlit openings. Many of the pine stands have reached maturity and the remaining overstory is now being removed to allow the hardwoods to grow to maturity. These "early-successional" hardwood stands provide an important habitat component for a variety of songbird species, as well as ruffed grouse and woodcock.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas can be found in the nearby community of Belfast.
  • Lodging, dining opportunities, and food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Belfast and Angelica.

Allegany 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.

Important Links

Camping Rules for State Forest Preserve
Hiking Safety
Use of State Land Regulations
Allegany County Tourism
New York State Snowmobile Association
Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Region 9 Lands and Forests Office
2524 County Route 2A
Almond, NY 14804

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