State Land

Rock Creek State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

The 704-acre Rock Creek State Forest has a limited amount of development. There are no designated recreation trails, but several DEC roads, cleared gas pipelines and old skid roads, deer paths, and old farm lanes are available for exploring.

Today, Rock Creek and all state forests in New York are managed for multiple benefits to serve the needs of the people of New York. Sustainable management practices will ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities and clean water.

 

Featured Activities

Wildlife Management Unit: 8X

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Wildlife Management Unit: 8X

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

New York's Southern Tier encompasses a wide variety of habitats and landscapes made up of mountainous hills, forests, grasslands and wetlands. Everything from black bear to black-throated blue warblers and brook trout to wild turkey reside in the Southern Tier. The grasslands are home to a variety of bird species including northern harrier and state-endangered Henslow's sparrows. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beavers and mink flourish in the wetlands. Visitors from across New York State flock to this area year round for its exquisite wildlife watching and unbeatable hunting.

Directions

  • From Canisteo, proceed south on State Route 248. The forest can be accessed from the state highway. (42.171848°N, 77.63331°W) Google Maps.
  • For alternate access, from State Route 248 turn right (west) onto County Route 62 (Rock Creek Road), and then right onto O'Hargan Road, which ends in the forest. (42.174064°N, 77.646579°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 Rock 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 Canisteo River Basin 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].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food and other supplies as well as dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Hornell and Canisteo

Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau and Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance 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.

Important Links

Tips for Using State Forests
Camping Rules
Hiking Safety
Hunting
Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau
Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance
Contact for this Page

Division of Lands & Forests Bureau of State Land Management DEC Bath Sub-Office
7291 Coon Rd
Bath, NY 14810

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Region 8 Western Finger Lakes
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