New York Expanded McCarthy Hill State Forest

The state transferred 716 acres from a park to a state forest to enhance regional conservation and recreation.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in National Parks

New York Expanded McCarthy Hill State Forest

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Should your local government increase the amount of land dedicated to state forest and conservation areas?

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has acquired 716.71 acres from Pinnacle State Park to expand the McCarthy Hill State Forest. The consolidated land, located in Steuben County, now spans 1,510 acres across the towns of Addison, Tuscarora, and Erwin.

Why it matters

This administrative transfer aims to bolster outdoor recreation, improve watershed protection, and support sustainable timber production in the area. By unifying the properties, the state formalizes a trail network connection and strengthens long-term wildlife conservation efforts.

The transfer adds 716.71 acres to the existing 794-acre McCarthy Hill State Forest. This expansion brings the total forest area to 1,510 acres.

The players

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

This state agency is responsible for the management and protection of natural resources across New York.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

This department oversees the state's park system and the preservation of historical sites.

The details

The land was transferred from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to the Department of Environmental Conservation to streamline management. The combined property now hosts activities including camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing at Levi Pond.

December 1, 2026: The state will begin removing any remaining personal property or boats from the transferred land.

Roadmap

This land consolidation mirrors a broader trend of shifting property designations to prioritize multi-use ecological management over specific recreational park use. Such reclassifications allow the state to integrate forestry and wildlife conservation goals with established recreational trail networks.

Visitors to the newly expanded forest can now access consolidated hiking, camping, and fishing areas under a single management jurisdiction. Those who previously kept boats or personal property on the Pinnacle State Park section must relocate their belongings before the December 2026 deadline.

The takeaway

This expansion provides residents with improved access to a larger, unified forest area for outdoor activities like skiing and wildlife viewing. Users should be aware that the land management transition imposes new deadlines for personal property removal.

What happens next

Boats and personal items left on the land transferred from the former Pinnacle State Park must be removed by December 1, 2026, or the state will take action to clear them.