State Land

Tracy Creek State Forest

On this page
  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Tracy Creek State Forest location

Tracy Creek State Forest covers 512 acres. Although no formal trails exist on the forest, access through the woods is good due to extensive former logging trails. These unmarked, unmaintained trails are used for hiking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

The forest was purchased in 1933 from several different landowners and is named for Tracy Creek which flows north from near the forest to the Susquehanna River. For more than twenty years, the upland hardwoods have been thinned by firewood sales to promote timber growth.

Featured Activities

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 fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Fishing information for Central NY is available.

Wildlife Management Unit: 7S

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 7S

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

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

There is a scenic, two-acre wetland along the southeast boundary of the forest. This area is a good place to see geese, ducks, beaver, herons, and other wetland wildlife species. A roadside stand of planted Norway spruce along Crumm Road provides great winter cover for wildlife.

Directions

Access to the forest is gained by traveling south from Ross Corners along Tracy Creek Road for about three miles. Tracy Creek Road turns into Collins Road which runs through the forest before entering Pennsylvania. The forest also fronts on Crumm Road which runs west into Tioga County.

There are four parking pull-offs in the forest, two along Collins Road and two along Crumm Road.

  • Crumm Road western pull-off (42.012068°N, 76.099917°W) Google Maps
  • Collins Road pull-off closer to Oconnell Road (42.006481°N, 76.083145°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 Tracy 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

The Broome State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) covers Cat Hollow, Tracy Creek, Beaver Pond, Whitaker Swamp, Hawkins Pond, Marsh Pond, Skyline Drive, and Cascade Valley State Forests, constituting 5,371 acres in Broome and Tioga counties.

DEC developed a Broome State Forest Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Cat Hollow State Forest.

For more information, email DEC Foresters with the subject line "Broome Unit" at [email protected] or call (607) 674-4017.

Forest Management

The forest contains a wide array of different cover types. The types include northern hardwood, northern hardwood-hemlock, northern hardwood-white pine, oak, red pine and Norway spruce. The elevation of the forest ranges from 1,200 to 1,850 feet above sea level. The south boundary of the forest runs for a quarter of a mile along the New York - Pennsylvania Border.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food, dining, and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Vestal, Owego and Binghamton

Broome County Tourism Webpage 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

Hiking Safely
Hiking and Camping Rules
State Land Use Regulations
Greater Binghamton Convention and Visitors Bureau
Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Region 7 Sherburne Sub-office
2715 State Hwy 80
Sherburne, NY 13460

This Page Covers
Region 7 - Central New York
Icon