Golden Hill 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: Towns of Franklinville and Humphrey, Cattaraugus County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9T
• Map: Golden Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 2,283-acre Golden Hill State Forest is a popular destination for hunting, hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing.

In the 1930s, this unit 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, larch and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.

Directions

From Salamanca take Route 219 north to Great Valley. At the intersection where Route 219 veers to the left, continue straight onto Route 98. After 5 miles, turn right onto Golden Hill Road to enter the state forest.

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

• Golden Hill Road Parking Area (42.244516°N, 78.53558°W) Google Maps 
• Chapman Forest Road Parking Area #1 (42.256761°N, 78.524072°W) Google Maps 
• Chapman Forest Road Parking Area #2 (42.255673°N, 78.524034°W) Google Maps 
• Chapman Forest Road Parking Area #3 (42.252806°N, 78.523983°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 Golden 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 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 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, larch and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. These have been or will be converted to hardwoods by removing the conifer overstory and allowing the hardwood seedlings that usually exist in these stands to grow to maturity. Many former conifer stands exist on this unit as young hardwood stands.

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.

Young hardwood stands that have been created by clear cutting the former pine plantations are now approaching the stage where they may require some silvicultural work to release future crop trees.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Raecher Hill State Forest
• Bryant Hill State Forest
• Boyce Hill State Forest
• Nine Mile Creek State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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