Crab Hollow 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: Town of New Hudson, Allegany County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9W
• Map: Crab Hollow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,154-acre Crab Hollow State Forest contains a mixture of native hardwood species and planted conifers. "Crab" is actually a misspelling of "Crabb", the name of an early resident. In recent years, the name of the nearby town road has been corrected to "Crabb Hollow Road".

The unit is a popular destination for hunting both big and small game. There are no trails on the unit but hiking is allowed throughout the property.

Lumbering was a major industry in the area during the early 1800s due to the abundant hardwoods, the availability of water power along Black Creek, and the development of the Genesee Valley Canal for transportation. Later, as more land was cleared for agriculture, many cheese factories dotted the countryside.

Crab Hollow borders the 4,571-acre Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Its namesake waterbody, Hanging Bog, straddles the State Forest/WMA boundary. It contains a floating mass of vegetation typical of a bog but is actually a lake, as it has an outlet into Crawford Creek. This is in contrast to the nearby Nature Conservancy-owned Moss Lake, which is actually a kettle hole bog.

Directions

Crab Hollow State Forest lies halfway between the hamlet of Rushford and the Village of Cuba and can be accessed by several town roads: Mount Monroe Road on the western side, Crabb Hollow Road in the middle, and New Hudson Road on the eastern side.

There is one parking area near Hanging Bog on the border between the state forest and WMA. All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

• Briggs Road parking area (42.305342°N, 78.250598°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 Crab 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.

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].

Timber Management

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

• Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area
• Bush Hill State Forest
• Rush Creek State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Belfast, Cuba and Rushford.
• Dining and lodging opportunities as well as food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of 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.