Mount Pleasant State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 9 Dunkirk Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:00PM), 716-363-2052; [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 Chautauqua and Sherman, Chautauqua County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9J
• Map: Mount Pleasant State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || DECinfo Locator

Mount Pleasant State Forest totals 1,522 acres. This forest provides opportunities for many outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. Numerous wildlife species can be found here including deer, ruffed grouse, rabbit, bear and turkey. The abundance of different habitat types created by forestry management practices make this forest an ideal area for various wildlife sightings.

In the 1930s Mount Pleasant State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corp, or 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.

Directions

To reach Mount Pleasant State Forest from the north, take Route 430 west from Mayville approximately 3 miles to the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail parking lot and trail head.

From the south and from Interstate 86, take Exit 7. Turn right onto County Route 33 and continue north for 0.75 miles to County Route 18 on the left. Continue west on County Route 18 for 4 miles, then take a right onto Mount Pleasant Road. Continue north for 0.75 miles to the intersection with Titus Road - the parking lot is just past this intersection on the left.

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

• Route 430 Parking Area at the northern part of the state forest (42.225709°N, 79.547536°W) Google Maps
• Titus Road Parking Area at the southern part of the state forest (42.173912°N, 79.554663°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 Mount Pleasant 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 Chautauqua Unit Management Plan. 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

Timber management is practiced at Mount Pleasant State Forest. The conifer 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, which provide openings for 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.

Much of the timber harvesting is done using mechanical harvesters that are able to grab a tree trunk with a felling head while a hydraulic saw blade cuts the tree at the base. The tree is then fed through the felling head and cut to various lengths. These machines are time efficient and have the ability to process large volumes of wood in a short period of time in comparison to traditional hand felling with a chain saw.

Timber management is practiced carefully using several techniques that reduce the impact on the forest soils and floor. Mechanical harvesters create less soil impact due to the large tires that distribute the equipment weight better than conventional log skidders. Harvesters are used in conjunction with forwarding equipment, which pick up the logs and haul them to the log landing. These practices avoid dragging logs, which reduces soil damage to the forest floor. Harvesters also create less damage to the residual trees due to better directional felling techniques and more control over where the cut tree will fall.

Hardwood trees are not usually planted because they spread vast amounts of seed and regenerate naturally. Periodic thinning of the forest through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees adequate growing space. This practice 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 hardwood stands contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth. These stands were actually harvested prior to state ownership.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
• Whalen Memorial State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Mayville and Sherman.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Mayville and Sherman.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Chautauqua, Mayville and Sherman.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Chautauqua, Mayville and Sherman.

Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau 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.