Boyce Hill

The Boyce Hill State Forest Loop begins and ends at a parking area off State Highway 242 East, near Franklinville in Western New York. From the trailhead, the route travels through a quiet hardwood forest with rolling elevation and a mix of open understory and denser woodland. Primitive tread and limited signage make this a more rustic experience, but navigation remains straightforward for hikers familiar with map and compass. The trail winds along ridgelines and shallow drainages, occasionally offering glimpses of the surrounding hills through breaks in the trees. Midway through the route, hikers may notice subtle changes in forest type, along with small seasonal streams that offer limited water access—purification is advised. Wildlife is common throughout, especially deer and songbirds, and this area sees light foot traffic outside of hunting season. During fall, wear blaze orange to increase visibility. Expect slick tread in wet seasons and potential snow cover in winter. This forested loop offers a peaceful hike for those seeking solitude and immersion in New York’s lesser-traveled state forests.