North Harmony State Forest provides many outdoor recreational opportunities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, horseback riding, primitive camping, and hunting. The forest totals 2,561 acres and is located in the southwestern area of Chautauqua County in the Towns of Harmony, North Harmony and Sherman, north of Panama.
A day use picnic area is available. North Harmony State Forest offers campsite locations along Snake Forest Road, in the Wiltsie Marsh Area. Lean-to facilities with an outhouse are offered on county property that is adjacent to North Harmony State Forest. At-large primitive camping is also 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 10 or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Horseback riding is allowed on North Harmony State Forest roads and on the snowmobile trail in the summer months. There are also designated horse trails on the property. Parking to access the horse trails is located at Jasper Park on Warner Road.
The Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail runs through 3.2 miles of North Harmony State Forest. Only hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are allowed on the trail. There is a parking lot on Route 474, just west of Panama.
The forest is home to Wiltsie Marsh, located just off of Wiltsie Road in the town of Sherman. Also known as Two Ponds, Wiltsie Marsh is a man-made marsh that was built with federal funds during the 1950s. Non-motorized boats are allowed on Wiltsie Marsh and fishing is allowed. The marsh sustains a healthy fish population including bass, sunfish, bullhead and bluegill but it is not stocked. Make sure to abide by all fishing laws.
Wiltsie Marsh attracts a broad variety of bird species including ducks, geese, hawks and even bald eagles. Also look for snapping turtles and other reptiles and amphibians.
