Karr Valley Creek 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: Karr Valley Creek State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Karr Valley Creek State Forest totals 1,917 acres. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, snowmobiling, camping 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.

In the 1930s, Karr Valley Creek State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). DEC's West Almond Maintenance Center on County Route 2A was the site of one of the CCC camps. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the Depression. CCC projects included the building roads and planting thousands of pine and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.

Directions

From Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and turn right onto Karr Valley Road. Continue for about 2 miles and then turn left onto County Route 2A. The state forest begins after a half mile, and 1.5 miles further is DEC's West Almond Maintenance Center.

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

• George Road parking area on neighboring Jersey Hill State Forest (42.350436°N, 77.880707°W) Google Maps
• Dobson Road parking area (42.330981°N, 77.848262°W) Google Maps
• Frunqillo Forest Road parking area (42.344268°N, 77.864548°W) Google Maps
• Norton Forest Road parking area (42.353718°N, 77.859543°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 Karr Valley Creek 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 because 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 below to grow.

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 remaining 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 crop trees for the future. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth; in most cases 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
• Hiltonville State Forest
• Bully Hill State Forest
• Palmer's Pond State Forest
• Turnpike 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.