Lost Nation 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 Centerville, Allegany County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9N
• Maps: Lost Nation State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Lost Nation State Forest covers a total of 1,344 acres. The forest is named after the fabled "Lost Nation," a resident tribe of Native Americans who unexpectedly disappeared from the area without a trace. There are no designated trails but hiking is allowed throughout the property.

In the 1930's, the Lost Nation Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, S-126, was located on this State Forest along Lost Nation Road. Other than a small concrete building foundation, an artesian well and the Norway spruce trees lining the road, little evidence of the camp remains. One of the camp buildings still exists, having been moved to private property on Vosburg Cross Road and known locally as "Sam's Dance Hall."

Directions

Lost Nation State Forest lies approximately 8 miles southeast of the Village of Arcade between the hamlets of Centerville and Bliss, and is accessible via several town roads between State Route 39 and County Route 3.

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

• Lost Nation Road Parking Area #1 with parking for 7 cars or 3 cars with trailers (42.501207°N, 78.262986°W) Google Maps 
• Lost Nation Road Parking Area #2 (42.499382°N, 78.260975°W) Google Maps 
• County Line Road Parking Area with parking for 8 cars or 4 cars with trailers (42.52127°N, 78.263741°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 Lost Nation 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 forest cover types on Lost Nation State Forest are a mixture of native hardwood species and planted conifers. The hardwood stands are managed through a series of thinnings which remove the lower quality trees and give more growing space to the best quality trees. The hardwood tops are generally left in place to rot and recycle their nutrients back into the soil. The decaying tops also provide bedding and nesting cover for wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

Periodic thinnings in the red pine plantations have allowed the native hardwoods to seed in the sunlit openings. Many of the pine stands have reached maturity and the remaining overstory is now being removed to allow the hardwoods to grow. These "early-successional" hardwood stands provide an important habitat component for a variety of songbird species, as well as ruffed grouse and woodcock.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Cold Creek State Forest
• Swift Hill State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Arcade, Fillmore and Pike.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Arcade, Fillmore and Houghton.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Arcade, Fillmore, Houghton and Pike.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Arcade, Fillmore and Houghton.

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.