English 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 Granger and Grove, Allegany County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9P
• Map: English Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,395-acre English Hill State Forest contains a mixture of native hardwood species and planted conifers. There are no designated trails but hiking is allowed throughout the property.

About one quarter of the acreage was cleared for agriculture in the early 1800s, but by the 1930s most of the fields had been abandoned. The earliest aerial photos of the area, from 1938, indicate that several fields were abandoned much earlier, possibly before 1900.

Directions

From Fillmore, take Route 4 heading east, followed by a left on Route 15 and then a right onto Heidenreich Road.

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

• Heidenreich Road Parking Area (42.474311°N, 78.001743°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 English 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.

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 native hardwoods to seed in 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. 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

• Genesee Valley Wildlife Management Area
• Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area
• Keeney Swamp Wildlife Management Area
• Keeney Swamp State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Fillmore and Nunda.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Fillmore, Houghton and Nunda.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Fillmore, Houghton and Nunda.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Fillmore and Houghton.

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.