Palmer's Pond 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 Ward and West Almond, Allegany County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9P
• Map: Palmer's Pond, Phillips Creek, and Turnpike State Forests Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Palmer's Pond MAPPWD Trail Map (PDF) || Horse Trail Network Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Palmer's Pond State Forest totals 3,645 acres. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching and nature photography.

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 and provides for various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.

In the 1930s, Palmer's Pond 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

To reach Palmer's Pond: From Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and head west on Karr Valley Road towards village of West Almond. By the town barns, make a sharpleft onto Turnpike Road and then an immediate right onto South Road, continue for 1.6 miles, then turn right onto Palmers Pond road, go 1 mile to the pond day use and parking area.

To reach the parking areas on Miller Road: From Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and head west on Karr Valley Road for 0.2 miles, then turn right onto Miller Road. After 1.8 miles the parking areas and trailheads will be on the right and left, opposite each other.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum. Besides the parking areas listed below, roadside parking is also available at points throughout the property.

• Miller Road East parking area and trailhead (42.325358°N, 77.885155°W) Google Maps 
• Miller Road West parking area and trailhead (42.325404°N, 77.885644°W) Google Maps 
• Palmer's Pond parking area - Follow directions above only.

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 Palmer's Pond 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.

Camp Area Guidelines

1. No paddocks or temporary fencing allowed. Please tie horses in stalls provided, to horse trailers, or use "High-Tie" methods only.
2. No damaging live trees, including tying horses directly to them.
3. No loose horses or pets in the camp area. Keep dogs leashed.
4. Clean up after all your animals.
5. No littering. Use "carry in / carry out" principles.
6. Scatter manure into the surrounding woods away from camp sites or take it with you upon departure.
7. Camp sites are available on a first come, first served basis. A free camping permit is required for stays longer than 3 nights or for groups of ten or more people. For a permit, please contact the forest rangers at 585-415-1521 or 585-278-7777.
8. Quiet time is 10pm-7am.
9. There is no water, sewer, or electric hookups provided. Self-contained camping trailers only.
10. Trails open June 1 - September 30th for equestrian users. All other approved uses are permitted year-round.

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 will 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

• Turnpike State Forest
• Karr Valley Creek State Forest
• Bald Mountain State Forest
• Phillips Creek State Forest
• Jersey Hill State Forest
• Gillies Hill State Forest
• Plumbottom State Forest
• Vandermark 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 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.