State Land

Buck Hill State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Buck Hill State Forest location

Buck Hill State Forest encompasses 1,702 acres of land, the majority of which was acquired in the 1940s and additional pieces were acquired in the 1960s. The last piece was acquired in 1974. The state forest was created for the purpose of reforestation, timber production, wildlife management, recreation and watershed protection.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no maintained hiking trails on Buck Hill State Forest, but old skid trails from past logging operations make excellent hiking trails. There are 1.66 miles of unpaved and paved roads that also provide access and primitive recreational opportunities.

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 fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

The Lansing Kill provides opportunities to fish. The Lansing Kill is a protected trout stream that runs through a portion of the property. There are several tributaries of the Lansing Kill that run through the state forest also.

North Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access an waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations. Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations. Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Directions

From Alder Creek on Route 12 just pass the Nice & Easy take a left on Egypt Road. On Egypt Road, go about 4 miles to the four corners and take a left on Potato Hill Road. On Potato Hill Road, go about 0.4 mile and take a right on to Buck Hill Road. On Buck Hill Road, go about 4 miles and you will reach the truck trail for Buck Hill State Forest. There are no maintained parking areas on this property.

  • Truck trail unmaintained parking area (43.369617°N, 75.371972°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 with other users.

All users of Buck 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.

Specific Rules

Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property; however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with management activities described in the Oneida Hills Unit Management Plan (UMP). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Buck Hill State Forest is comprised of northern hardwoods and northern hardwood-hemlock. The dominant species that can be found are sugar maple, red maple, white ash, aspen, black cherry, bitternut, hickory, black locust, basswood, yellow birch and hemlock. Buck Hill State Forest also includes plantations that were planted in the 1940s. The plantations that are left today are white pine, red pine, Norway spruce, white spruce and larch. One small area (about 23 acres) is a seed production plantation. The cones from this special white pine and larch plantation are gathered for the Saratoga Tree Nursery to help restock seed inventory.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Boonville, Alder Creek and Barneveld.

Oneida County Tourism 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 chamber 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 more information on outdoor guides.

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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