Elkdale State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Allegany Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), (716) 372-0645; [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 Little Valley, Cattaraugus County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9R
• Map: Elkdale State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 422-acre Elkdale State Forest is used as a base for the Operations Unit of DEC. This is the building complex you see on the grounds from Route 353. This property appears to be mostly old farm land - a house was located where the Operations Facility is today. Historically, two railroad lines crossed this property. One of these can be still be seen and is a section of the Rails-to-Trails corridor. The other has filled in with brush and is barely noticeable today.

Directions

From Interstate 86, take exit 20 and turn right onto Route 417/Broad Street. Turn left onto Route 353/Center Street and continue until reaching the state forest.

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

• Fourth Street Parking Area (42.229285°N, 78.796932°W) Google Maps
• Route 353 Parking Area (42.231893°N, 78.76743°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 Elkdale 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

All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off-road use of motorized vehicles such as ATVs, trail bikes and four-wheel drives is not allowed.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a Draft Cattaraugus 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.

State Forests are managed for multiple uses. They provide a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers. They are managed for wildlife by the creation and maintenance of various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey. They are also managed to provide recreational opportunities and watershed protection.

Timber Management

Conifer - The stands of pine were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. These will be converted to hardwoods by removal of the conifer overstory and allowing the hardwood seedlings that usually exist in these stands to grow to maturity. A trail passes through the plantation near the pond so this stand will be retained as long as possible to allow for recreational use. When this stand reaches the end of its life span and becomes a hazard to trail users it will be converted to hardwood.

Hardwood - Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. Thinning of the forest through 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, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife and a source of future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth, but in almost all cases they are not. These stands have been harvested prior to state ownership or managed during state ownership to favor large trees. Many other stands are mature and ready to be regenerated to new stands. This is usually done by a thinning to promote regeneration of new seedlings, followed by an overstory removal. Forest stands that are dominated by species that require direct sunlight for reproduction are managed in this way. Forest stands that contain oak species may require the use of fire or other types of disturbance to maintain this forest type. Some stands on this property were damaged by the Forest Tent caterpillar. This lead to the death of what were vigorous stands of sugar maple trees. The dead trees were later salvaged for lumber and some of the trails created for this salvage operation are now used as horse trails.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Dobbins State Forest
• Rock City and McCarty Hill State Forests
• Bucktooth State Forest
• Allegany State Park

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, lodging, food and other supplies, and dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Ellicottville and Salamanca.

Cattaraugus 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.