Vandermark 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: Town of Ward, Allegany County
• Wildlife Management Units: 9P & 9Y
• Map: Vandermark State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Vandermark State Forest totals 2,384 acres. This area provides opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, fishing, bird watching, nature photography and hunting.

In the 1930s, Vandermark State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and 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

From Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and head west on Karr Valley Road for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Palmer's Pond Road and follow this road for 3.2 miles, then turn left onto Route 244. Continue for 3.4 miles and turn right onto Vandermark Road. The Vandermark Road parking area will be on your right in 3.7 miles but you'll enter the state forest in a little over 3 miles.

To reach Vandermark State Forest take State Route 244 to the intersection with County Route 10 and head south for almost 4 miles to enter the state forest which borders both sides of the road.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum. Roadside parking is also available at other locations throughout the state forest.

• Waugh Brook Road parking area with parking for 5 cars or 2 cars with trailers (42.208402°N, 77.923598°W) Google Maps
• Vandermark Road parking area with parking for 10 cars or 5 cars with trailers (42.218447°N, 77.876104°W) Google Maps
• Brody Slide Road parking area with parking for 5 cars or 2 cars with trailers (42.215972°N, 77.907962°W) Google Maps
• Allen Forest Road parking area (42.220289°N, 77.863035°W) Google Maps

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 Vandermark 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 state forest is 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.

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 contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth, but in almost all cases these stands have been harvested prior to state ownership.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Plumbottom State Forest
• Phillips Creek State Forest
• Palmer's Pond State Forest
• Turnpike State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred and Wellsville.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Angelica and Wellsville.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Angelica and Wellsville.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred, Angelica and Wellsville.

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 guide.