Griggs Gulf State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; [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 Harford and Richford, Cortland and Tioga Counties
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7R
• Map: Griggs Gulf State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Griggs Gulf State Forest encompasses 2,346 acres of land in southwestern Cortland County and northeastern Tioga County. Recreational activities such as snowmobiling, hunting, trapping, nature observation, and informal hiking are enjoyed by many residents and visitors of the area. Hiking is allowed anywhere on the property unless otherwise indicated.

This is a peaceful and primitive place with much to offer the person seeking solace from the noise of daily life. The landscape is forested with northern hardwoods, Norway spruce, hemlock, red pine and upland oak. The forest provides excellent habitat for many woodland creatures and plants.

Directions

Griggs Gulf State Forest may be accessed by taking NY Route 38 to the hamlet of Harford Mills; then take Route 200 to Griggs Gulf Road, then make a quick right turn onto Michigan Hill Road. After 1.7 miles turn left onto Rockefeller Road and the Faulkenham Road entrance will be 0.5 miles on the left. Parking is available at various points along the Huckleberry Pond and Griggs Gulf public forest access roads (PFAR).

• Faulkenham "Tennant" Road (42.40172 °N, 76.16273°W) Google Maps

All 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 Griggs Gulf 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 manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Rockefeller Unit Management Plan (PDF, 6.5MB). 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].

DEC foresters are charged with the responsibility of managing State Forests to enhance, conserve, and maintain a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem for society and wildlife. Forest management is therefore strategically employed to develop a balanced mix of young, middle-aged, and old (late successional) forest types in order to provide habitat for plants and animals, as well as recreational opportunities for people.

History

Griggs Gulf State Forest, like many of New York's State Forests, was once cleared and farmed by European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. Unfortunately, the upland soils of the Allegheny Plateau are thin, relatively steep, and acidic. As such, the ground is not fit for intensive farming. When combined with harsh winters and a short growing season, it is easy to understand why farmers abandoned these lands in pursuit of greener pastures in the Midwest.

In order to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, provide forest products, and create recreational opportunities, the State of New York began acquiring property designated for reforestation during the 1930s. As a result, the once barren lands were transformed into forests, and today they provide diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services for New York residents and visitors.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Beaver Dam State Forest
• Turkey Hill State Forest
• Robinson Hollow State Forest
• Hammond Hill State Forest
• Kennedy State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Whitney Point and Cortland.

Cortland County Tourism Office can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks 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.