Cat Hollow 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 Sanford, Broome County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
• Map: Cat Hollow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Cat Hollow State Forest covers 759 acres in Broome County. McMurray Road is 1.2 miles long and can be used for various recreational pursuits through the forest. The forest was acquired in 1964 using Bond Act funds and is named after cougars that roamed the area prior to 1900.

Directions

Access to the forest is gained by traveling south from the village of Deposit on Oquaga Lake Road, and turning left onto Gillette Road. At the intersection with Woodford Road, the abandoned McMurray Road begins, and runs southeast through the forest. This old road runs along a feeder stream to the West Branch of the Delaware River, and passes an old farm foundation and a beaver pond. There is parking along Woodford Road and at the entrance to the forest along Gillette Road.

• Woodford Road Parking Area (42.010912,-75.434089) 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 Cat 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

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.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Whitaker Swamp 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.