Coyle Hill State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Almond Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (585) 466-3241; [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 Belfast and Friendship, Allegany County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9W
• Map: Coyle Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 2,343-acre Coyle Hill State Forest provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities including hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, camping, horseback riding, and hunting.

The forest is a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry, which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers. It also provides various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.

In the 1930s, Coyle Hill State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the depression. CCC projects included the construction of roads and the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in the open areas of the property.

Directions

To reach Coyle Hill State Forest from Interstate 86, take exit 30 (Belvidere), north on State Route 19 for 0.2 mile. Turn left onto Hess Road for 1.25 miles, then left onto Warner Forest Road which leads into the state forest.

There are no designated parking areas on the unit, however roadside parking is available. The property is located at 42.258595°N, 78.106077°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 Coyle Hill 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 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].

Timber Management

The stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually managed by a series of partial harvest thinnings. These thinnings provide openings of sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwoods. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity.

Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. Periodic thinning of the forest for 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. New trees grow, providing food and cover for wildlife and a source of future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. These stands were actually harvested prior to state ownership.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area
• Rush Creek State Forest
• Plumbottom State Forest
• Bald Mountain State Forest
• Allen Lake State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Belfast, Belmont, Cuba and Friendship.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Angelica, Belfast, Cuba and Friendship
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Belfast, Belmont, Cuba and Friendship.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Angelica, Belfast and Cuba.

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.