Rush 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 Caneadea, New Hudson and Rushford, Allegany County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9W
• Map: Rush Creek State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Rush Creek State Forest covers a total of 1,404 acres and borders the 4,475-acre Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area. The forest cover types here are primarily native hardwood species, with a smaller number of planted conifers. There are no designated trails but hiking is allowed throughout the property.

Unlike many of the state forest areas in Allegany County, most of Rush Creek State Forest has been in continuous forested cover throughout its history. Only about a third of the acreage was ever cleared for cultivation or pasture. Some of the largest unbroken areas of hardwoods on state forests in Allegany County can be found here.

Directions

Rush Creek State Forest lies directly southeast of Rushford Lake, and is accessible via County Route 49, Rush Creek Road, Slusher Hill Road and McNamara Hill Road.

From Interstate 86, take exit 28 and head north on Route 305 for 7.3 miles, then turn left on Cloverleaf Road. At the first intersection, turn right to stay on Cloverlead Road. After 2.0 miles at the four way intersection, continue straight onto Slusher Hill Road, which enters the state forest from the south. Russell Forest Road branches off and continues north through the state forest.

There are no designated parking areas on the unit but roadside parking is available. The state forest is located at 42.355072°N, 78.206975°W Google Maps. 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 Rush 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

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 into 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 to maturity. 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

• Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area
• Allen Lake State Forest
• Crab Hollow State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

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.