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

Jersey Hill State Forest totals 1,088 acres. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, snowmobiling, camping and hunting.

The forest provides various habitats for many wildlife species including deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey. It is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry, which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers.

In the 1930s, Jersey Hill 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 Great 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. A fire tower and observer's cabin were built on a hill in this area to aid in the early detection of any forest fires that might threaten the reforestation projects on recently acquired abandoned farm lands, but they were removed after closing.

Directions

To reach Jersey Hill State Forest from Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond), turn left onto Karr Valley Road and then take your first right onto Miller Road. After about 2.5 miles, turn right onto County Route 2A. Continue north for half a mile and bear left onto Jersey Hill Road. Continue for about a mile to the intersection with Davison Road and turn left to enter the state forest. The road to the site of the former fire tower is a half mile down on the right. Or continue further north on Jersey Hill Road to Scholes Forest Road and turn left to enter the state forest.

There are no designated parking areas on the unit but roadside parking is available. The state forest is located at 42.359523°N, 77.878886°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 Jersey 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 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 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 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, which provide food and cover for wildlife and a source of future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. In actuality, these stands have been harvested prior to state ownership.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Gillies Hill State Forest
• Karr Valley Creek State Forest
• Hiltonville State Forest
• Palmer's Pond State Forest
• Bald Mountain State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food and other supplies, dining opportunities, and lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred Station and Angelica.

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.