Hiltonville 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 Birdsall, Allegany County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9P
• Map: Hiltonville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Hiltonville State Forest totals 999 acres. This area provides opportunities for many outdoor recreational activities including hiking, snowmobiling, camping, fishing and hunting. The state forest is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers. It also provides habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.

In the 1930s, Hiltonville State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (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 and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.

Directions

From Arkport, take County Route 32 west for about 9 miles until entering the state forest.

There are no designated parking areas on the unit, however roadside parking is available at the locations shown on the unit map. The state forest is located at 42.369381°N, 77.848507°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 Hiltonville 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 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

Conifer - The stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually managed by a series of partial harvest thinnings. These thinnings provide openings of sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwoods. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity.

Hardwood - Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and naturally regenerate. Periodic 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 contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. In reality, these stands have been harvested prior to state ownership.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Jersey Hill State Forest
• Bully Hill State Forest
• Karr Valley Creek State Forest
• Klipnocky State Forest
• Gas Springs State Forest
• Gillies Hill State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food and other supplies, and dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Arkport and Hornell.
• Lodging opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred and Hornell.

Allegany County Tourism 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.