State Land

West Hill State Forest

Top West Hill State Forest

Open for recreation: Year-round

Fee: Free
Contact Information:
- DEC Region 8 Bath Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 622-8282; [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 Campbell, Steuben County
Wildlife Management Unit: 8W
Map: West Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 887-acre West Hill State Forest focus on rustic experiences with a limited amount of development. Today, West Hill 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: 8W

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 8W

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 hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Located on the area is a portion of The Crystal Hills Branch Trail off of the Finger Lakes Trail (foot traffic only). Maintenance is done by the volunteers of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference under a volunteer stewardship agreement. It is also a segment of The Great Eastern Trail.

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 turkeys reside and call it home here in the Southern Tier of New York. The grasslands are home to a variety of bird species including northern harriers and state-endangered Henslow's sparrows. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beaver 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 State Route 415 in Painted Post head north on West Hill Road, which will pass through the center of the forest.

West Hill Road: (42.228880°N, 77.086029°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.

All users of West Hill 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 Six Nations Unit Management Plan (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & 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 Corning and Painted Post.

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.