THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
McCarty Hill State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · NY

McCarty Hill State Forest

McCarty Hill State Forest offers a serene escape with its lush forests and well-maintained trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.

State Forest6,2023+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

6,202

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About McCarty Hill State Forest

McCarty Hill State Forest offers a serene escape with its lush forests and well-maintained trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Cattaraugus County, New York, McCarty Hill State Forest encompasses over 6,202 acres of diverse and vibrant forestland. Designed for multiple uses, it offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and hunting. The forest's rich ecology is marked by hardwoods such as maple and beech, interspersed with conifer plantations. This area is part of the larger Allegheny Plateau, known for its rolling hills and scenic vistas. Historically, the forest has been a focus for conservation and sustainable logging practices, aimed at preserving this natural resource for future generations. The forest is popular amongst locals and visitors alike for its relatively remote setting, which offers peace and tranquility. Key recreation opportunities include well-marked trails, some of which connect with the popular Rock City State Forest. The forest’s remote nature offers excellent wildlife viewing prospects, with diverse species like deer, turkey, and even the occasional black bear.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near McCarty Hill State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Tranquil Retreat: Red House Beach★ 7.8⌖ 6 miKayaking
Red House Beach at Allegany State Park

Tranquil Retreat: Red House Beach

Visit Red House Beach at Allegany State Park for a tranquil day. Enjoy kayaking on calm waters, hike varied trails, or fish for bass and trout. A quiet family-friendly spot, perfect in summer.

Bridal Falls: A Hidden Gem in Salamanca, NY★ 8.8⌖ 7 miHiking
Bridal Falls

Bridal Falls: A Hidden Gem in Salamanca, NY

Explore Bridal Falls in Salamanca, NY. This peaceful waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and unique rock formations, perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Best visited in spring and fall.

Kinzua Skywalk: Where Engineering Meets Nature★ 7.0⌖ 30 miSightseeing
Kinzua Bridge State Park

Kinzua Skywalk: Where Engineering Meets Nature

Explore the Kinzua Skywalk located at Kinzua Bridge State Park in Pennsylvania. This easy access historical landmark offers breathtaking views from its glass-bottom deck. Ideal for sightseeing and seasonal hiking, it's open year-round with family-friendly amenities.

SightseeingView Details→
Waterfall Wonder: Eternal Flame Falls★ 8.4⌖ 36 miHiking
Eternal Flame Falls

Waterfall Wonder: Eternal Flame Falls

Explore this unique natural wonder at Eternal Flame Falls in Orchard Park, NY. An approximate 20-minute hike takes you to a moderate-difficulty trail showcasing a waterfall with a perpetual flame fueled by natural gas. Ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Discover Allegheny National Forest★ 7.8⌖ 39 miHiking
Allegheny National Forest

Discover Allegheny National Forest

Explore Allegheny National Forest in Marienville, PA. With its sprawling woodlands and diverse activities like hiking, boating, and camping, it's a serene getaway. Best in spring and fall with quiet trails year-round.

Discover the Enchanting Panama Rocks★ 7.7⌖ 40 miHiking
Panama Rocks Scenic Park

Discover the Enchanting Panama Rocks

Explore a mile-long loop trail at Panama Rocks Scenic Park near Panama, NY. Considered a moderate route, it offers unique rock formations and diverse wildlife. Ideal for adventure seekers, especially in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Finger Lakes Trail – Part of a long-distance trail system that passes through the forest.✦ Vibrant autumn foliage that attracts photographers and nature lovers.✦ Opportunities for primitive camping for a back-to-nature experience.✦ Challenging terrain making it ideal for advanced mountain biking.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in McCarty Hill State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in McCarty Hill State Forest
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in McCarty Hill State Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in McCarty Hill State Forest
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in McCarty Hill State Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in McCarty Hill State Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in McCarty Hill State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in McCarty Hill State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

McCarty Hill Primitive Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest, offering a true wilderness experience.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near McCarty Hill State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Salamanca
⌖ 1.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Salamanca, New York

A quaint town that serves as a gateway to the vast outdoor playground of the Allegheny Mountains, offering year-round activities.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Coldspring
⌖ 10.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coldspring, New York

A peaceful town in the Hudson Highlands offering rugged terrain, river access, and quiet trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of challenge and solitude.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Bradford
⌖ 16.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bradford, Pennsylvania

A quiet outdoor gateway in northwestern Pennsylvania offering access to rugged hills, deep forests, and waterways with seasonal adventure opportunities.

Late spring through early fall for hiking and paddling; winter for skiing and snowmobilingExplore Town
Olean
⌖ 16.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Olean, New York

A gateway town offering access to diverse outdoor activities with a mix of river adventures, forest trails, and nearby winter sports in southwestern New York.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Duke Center
⌖ 20.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Duke Center, Pennsylvania

A quiet rural town offering close access to rugged forests, streams, and rolling hills, perfect for peaceful outdoor exploration and seasonal adventures.

Late spring through fall for hiking and paddling; winter for cross-country skiing.Explore Town
Gowanda
⌖ 22.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gowanda, New York

A gateway to Southern Erie and Cattaraugus Counties offering river paddling, trail hiking, and rich outdoor culture framed by forested hills and sparkling waterways.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in McCarty Hill State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Seasonal Ski and Snowboard Rentals in Ellicottville — Keep Gear All WinterEllicottville, New York · 7.17 mi away
Snow & Winter· The Boardroom Snowboard Shop

Seasonal Ski and Snowboard Rentals in Ellicottville — Keep Gear All Winter

Skip the weekly rental lines and outfit your family for the whole season—Seasonal Rentals in Ellicottville lets you take fitted skis or a snowboard home with free tune-ups and size swaps through March 31. Perfect for families who want more days on snow and less time at the counter.

Season-long (pick-up until March 31)

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.