Stockton 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: Town of Stockton, Chautauqua County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 9J
• Map: Stockton State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Stockton State Forest totals 977 acres. This state forest provides opportunities for many outdoor recreational activities, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding and hunting. It is also home to a variety of wildlife species including white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, rabbit, and turkey.

Stockton State Forest land was purchased by New York State in the 1930s for timber production, recreational use, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat. Like many others, this state forest was the focus of numerous projects 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 open areas on the property.

Directions

From Interstate 86, take exit 10 and head northwest on Route 954H for 0.6 miles. Veer right at the first big intersection and turn right onto Route 44 for a very short while, then take your first left onto Bayview Road/N. Frontage Road. Continue straight on this road for 6.7 miles until reaching the intersection with Route 54, then continue straight onto Coe Road for about a mile to enter the state forest.

From Stockton, take County Route 58 west for 2.4 miles and turn left onto Coes Road. Continue south on Coes Road for about a mile to enter the state forest.

There are no designated parking areas on the unit but roadside parking is available. The state forest is located at 42.280776°N, 79.397212°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 Stockton 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

Conifer and hardwood timber management is practiced at Stockton 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.

Hardwood trees are not usually planted as 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

• Kabob Wildlife Management Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Bemus Point, Cassadaga, Mayville, Sinclairville and Stow.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Bemus Point, Cassadaga and Mayville.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Bemus Point, Cassadaga, Dewittville, Mayville and Stockton.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Ashville, Bemus Point, Chautauqua and Mayville.

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.